Foreign-Affairs
Bangladesh Embassy in Spain marks Genocide Day
Bangladesh Embassy in Lisbon observed the Genocide Day with due honour and solemnity on Monday reminiscing the brutal and cowardly attacks by the Pakistani occupation forces on the unarmed Bangalees.
In profound remembrance of the victims of Bangladesh genocide, a seminar, a photo exhibition and a candlelight vigil were organised on the Embassy premises.
A seminar titled "Bangladesh at 52: Looking back on the Freedom Struggle and Genocide” was held at the Embassy.
University teachers, students from different Portuguese University, scholars, academics, members of expatriate Bangladeshi community and officials of the Embassy attended the seminar.
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The seminar began with observance of one-minute silence in honour of martyrs of Bangladesh Liberation War.
In her opening remarks, Ambassador of Bangladesh Rezina Ahmed paid rich tribute to the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and all the martyrs and Biranganas of the liberation war.
She narrated the massacre that took place on the 25th night which continued throughout nine months of War of Liberation.
She urged the members of the civil society of Portugal and members of international community to support the campaign for the recognition of the Genocide Day 1971.
The audience was emotionally attached by her remarks.
In the panel discussion, Dr Manas Sutradhar, Professor at the Faculty of Engineering, Universidade Lusόfona presented the keynote speech.
Manas elaborated the aspects of dehumanisation, extermination and denial of Bangladesh genocide and remarked that Pakistan should formally apologise to Bangladesh for what they did in 1971.
He urged the international community, particularly the United Nations to recognise Bangladesh genocide immediately.
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Pedro Anastácio, former Member of the Parliament and City Councilor in his speech paid tribute and respect to all the victims and survivors who suffered on this day.
He quoted a Spanish saying that “those who are remembered live forever.”
He also expressed solidarity with Bangladesh and other countries that had to face the international crime of genocide.
A young Bangladeshi expatriate Sajin Ahmed Koushik also spoke on the occasion.
In his remarks, Koushik paid homage to the victims of the black night and martyrs of the liberation war.
He remarked that recognising the genocide involving 1971 is not solely about historical precision, it is a moral obligation, urging all to unite in support of the victims and survivors, advocating for justice, and striving to prevent such atrocities from occurring again.
A video documentary containing genocidal incidents of 25th March of 1971, war-time footage of genocide captured by international media and case for recognition of Bangladesh genocide were screened during the seminar.
After the discussion session, the attractive part of the programme “question and answer session” took place where the participating students asked the panellists different question on the genocide of Bangladesh and regarding recognition of the genocide by the international community.
After the discussion session, all guests walked in a procession of a candlelight vigil on the premises of the Chancery and placed candles before the portraits of victims of Bangladesh genocide that were displayed as part of the photographic exhibition titled “1971 Genocide”. The visitors were appalled to witness the horrors of the atrocities perpetrated by Pakistani military and local collaborators.
India congratulates Bangladesh, its people
India, which stood beside Bangladesh during the War of Liberation in 1971, has congratulated the people of Bangladesh on the occasion of its Independence Day.
President of India Droupadi Murmu, in a letter addressed to President of Bangladesh Mohammad Shahabuddin, conveyed on her behalf and on behalf of government and the people of India, warmest greetings to the people of Bangladesh on the occasion of the National Day of Bangladesh.
She highlighted the qualitative transformation in the India-Bangladesh relations in the last decade with remarkable growth in diverse areas.
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The Indian President expressed confidence that the leadership of the two countries will continue to endeavour towards further strengthening of people-to-people links between the two countries.
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AKDN reaffirms commitment to enhancing collaboration with Bangladesh
On behalf of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), its Resident Diplomatic Representative Munir M Merali has extended the warmest felicitations to the government and the resilient people of Bangladesh as the country commemorated the 54th Independence Day on March 26.
This significant milestone serves as a testament to the unwavering spirit, resilience, and determination of the Bangladeshi nation in achieving independence and upholding the cherished values of freedom, democracy, and sovereignty, he said on behalf of all AKDN agencies and staff working in the country.
"Today, as we reflect on the sacrifices made by countless individuals in the pursuit of liberty and self-determination, let us also celebrate the remarkable achievements Bangladesh has attained," Merali said.
Bangladesh reiterates call for recognition of 1971 genocide
As Bangladesh continues along its path of progress and development, may this Independence Day serve as a poignant reminder of the nation's potential for a brighter future ahead, he said.
"AKDN stands in solidarity with Bangladesh, reaffirming our commitment to enhancing collaboration, particularly in the realm of education. We are dedicated to supporting initiatives aimed at improving the quality of education and teaching across the country," Merali said.
He extended heartfelt wishes of prosperity and harmony to all Bangladeshis on this joyous occasion.
On behalf of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) in Bangladesh, it was both an honor and a privilege to join esteemed officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government, and fellow diplomats in participating in the wreath-laying ceremony at sunrise on this auspicious day 26th of March 2024, at the National Martyrs Memorial, Merali said.
Bangladesh Embassy in Seoul celebrates Independence Day
The Embassy of Bangladesh in Seoul celebrated the great Independence and National Day on Tuesday in a befitting manner.Bangladesh Ambassador to South Korea Delwar Hossain hoisted the national flag with the presence of the Embassy officials and expatriate Bangladeshis today.Then they paid homage to the Father of the Nation by placing floral wreaths in front of his bust inside the Chancery.
Muktijoddha Scholarship Scheme: 1,890 students to receive scholarships from India this yearA special prayer was offered for the salvation of the departed soul of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and all the valiant freedom fighters, and for the continued peace and prosperity of the country.The embassy officials read out the messages of the president, prime minister and foreign minister.A documentary on the Independence Day was screened. It was followed by a discussion.Ambassador Delwar Hossain paid a rich tribute to the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and to all the valiant freedom fighters who made supreme sacrifices for the independence of Bangladesh.
Independence Day and National Day 2024 Celebrated in Tokyo
He called upon all to work together being imbued with the spirit of the great Liberation War to realize the dream of the Father of the Nation to build a Sonar Bangla.
Muktijoddha Scholarship Scheme: 1,890 students to receive scholarships from India this year
High Commission of India will announce the disbursement of "Nutan India- Bangladesh Maitree Muktijoddha Sontan Scholarship" from 27-31 March 2024.
This year, a total of 1,890 students will be awarded with scholarship totaling of Tk 6.78 crore.
The Muktijoddha Scholarship Scheme was launched by the Government of India in the year 2006, with an aim to felicitate 2,000 students per year, 1,000 each from Undergraduate and Higher Secondary level.
Originally, the undergraduate students were awarded Tk 24,000/- per year for a period of four years while the Higher Secondary students were awarded Tk 10,000/- per year for two years. The scholarship was re-launched in its current form in the year 2017 during the visit of Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina to India.
Under the new scheme, the scholarship amount was revised to Tk 50,000/- for Undergraduate students and Tk 20,000/- for Higher Secondary students. From its introduction in 2006 till FY 2022-23, a total of 22,128 students have benefited from this programme and an amount of Tk 57.08 crore has been utilized for this purpose. For this year, scholarship will be granted to 890 Higher Secondary students and 1,000 Undergraduates.
The disbursement will be done from 27 – 31 March 2024.
The scholarship amount will be credited directly to the bank account of the students through Direct Bank Transfer (DBT).
Ministry of Liberation War Affairs of Bangladesh has been instrumental in the implementation of the scheme and has supported in identifying and selecting the students from all corners of Bangladesh, said the High Commission.
Bangladesh reiterates call for recognition of 1971 genocide
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen has reiterated the call of the government of Bangladesh for due international recognition of the worst and the most horrific genocide in the 20th century perpetrated by the Pakistani regime in 1971 in the soil of Bangladesh.
"Genocide recognition pays tributes to the martyrs and other victims and brings some solace to the victim families and it reduces the trauma experienced by survivors and victims' families," he said.
He was speaking at an event jointly organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs in collaboration with the Liberation War Museum to commemorate the Bangladesh Genocide Day on 25 March 2024 at the Museum.
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He said that the memories and trauma associated with the genocide were still very much vivid in the collective memory of the people of Bangladesh that became a powerful symbol of strength and determination and ability of the people of Bangladesh to overcome any adversity.
The heinous strategy of rape, arson, looting and property damage, forced displacements were major features of the genocidal activities by the Pakistani forces backed by the collaborators.
All these features make the prima facie case of 1971 genocide in Bangladesh within the terms of the UN’s 1948 Genocide Convention.
The Foreign Secretary highlighted the bold steps taken by the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to seek justice for the genocide victims, including the establishment of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in 1973 that were stymied by subsequent political upheavals.
He said that despite such setbacks, the initiatives of the Government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina revitalized the pursuit of justice and the drive of the government to secure an international recognition of the 1971 genocide of Bangladesh.
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Foreign Secretary expressed gratitude to all the leading international organizations, parliamentarians, scholars, and academia all over the world that recognized the 1971 Bangladesh Genocide and have been working relentlessly for its due international recognition.
He said that Bangladesh was one of the vocal members of the international community to oppose the ongoing genocidal activities in Gaza by the Israeli forces and Bangladesh was also part of the efforts of South Africa in its genocide case filed against Israel at the ICJ under 1948 Genocide Convention. He noted that Bangladesh was not only genocide victims, but also a saviour of genocide victims as the country temporarily sheltered more than 1.2 million Rohingyas who fled persecution and ‘genocide’ in their homeland Myanmar.
Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque graced the occasion as the chief guest and Dr. Elisa von Joeden-Forgey, Executive Director of the Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention presented the keynote speech on "Politics of Genocide Remembrance". Trustee and Member Secretary of the Lebration War Museum Sara Zaker, and Trustee Mofidul Hoque also spoke at the event.
Russian PM greets PM Hasina on Independence Day
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on the occasion of Independence Day.
"On behalf of the Government of the Russian Federation and on my own behalf, please accept congratulations on the occasion of the national holiday of the People's Republic of Bangladesh - the Independence Day," he said.
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He said the Russia-Bangladesh relations have been developing in the spirit of friendship and mutual respect.
"Trade and economic cooperation is gradually advancing, and perspective joint projects are being realised," said the Russian Prime Minister.
"I am convinced that active work between the govemments will contribute to strengthening the entire gamut of practical interaction. This fully corresponds with the interests of the Russian Federation and the People's Republic of Bangladesh," he said.
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The Russian PM wished Sheikh Hasina, sound health, well-being and new achievements in her responsible work and to the friendly Bangladeshi people - happiness and prosperity.
Independence Day: Putin congratulates Bangladesh President, PM
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday congratulated Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on the occasion of the nation's Independence Day
"Please accept my heartfelt congratulations on the occasion of the national holiday of your country - the Independence Day," he said.
The Russia-Bangladesh relations have been traditionally developing in the spirit of friendship, Putin said.
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"I am convinced that through mutual efforts, we will contribute to their further development for the benefit of our peoples and in the interests of stronger regional security and stability," said the Russian President.
"I wish you sound health and every success, and to all citizens of Bangladesh - peace and prosperity," reads the message.
Independence Day and National Day 2024 Celebrated in Tokyo
Bangladesh Embassy in Tokyo has celebrated the Great Independence and National Day 2024 with much enthusiasm and fervor.
The programme started with hoisting of the National Flag with rendition of the National Anthem at the Embassy premises by the Ambassador of Bangladesh to Japan Shahabuddin Ahmed.
Later one-minute silence of respect was observed in the memory of the martyrs of the war of independence of Bangladesh in 1971.
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The invited guests, including Bangladeshi, expatriates in Japan and the Embassy officials led by Ambassador Shahabuddin Ahmed laid floral wreaths on the portrait of Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at the Bangabandhu Auditorium. After that, a special prayer was offered for the peace and forgiveness of the souls of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the martyred members of the Bangabandhu family, the martyrs of the Great Liberation War and for the welfare of the country and the nation.
Besides, messages given on the Independence Day by the President, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister were read out to the audiences.
In the discussion session, Ambassador Shahabuddin Ahmed solemnly recalled and paid tribute to the greatest Bengali of all time, the architect of Bangladesh, Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family members who died on 15 August 1975.
He also paid homage to the martyrs of our liberation war, national four leaders, organizers and supporters of liberation war and sacrifices made by the two lacs women who lost their dignity and honor for the country.
He said that due to the Prime Minister’s hard work and prudent leadership, Bangladesh’s development and progress are now recognized worldwide. The ambassador urged all concerned to contribute more from their respective positions to implement the ‘Vision 2041’ declared by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to turn Bangladesh into a developed, prosperous and knowledge based smart country.In the evening, the Independence Day reception program and dinner was held at the New Otani Hotel in Tokyo.
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Japan's State Minister for Foreign Affairs Tsuge Yoshifumi was the chief guest at the event.
Japanese political leaders, senior officials, chamber representatives, ambassadors and diplomats from various missions in Tokyo and members of the Bangladesh community attended the event.
Ambassador Shahabuddin Ahmed and his wife Shahina Akther welcomed the chief guest and other guests on the occasion.
Special supplements were also published in Japanese local newspapers on Independence Day.
Genocide perpetrated by Pakistan army in 1971 one of the most brutal atrocities in history: Bangladesh Envoy
High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Canada Dr Khalilur Rahman has said the genocide perpetrated by the Pakistani invading forces during Bangladesh's War of Liberation in 1971 stands as one of the most brutal atrocities in history.
He recounted the premeditated implementation of ‘Operation Searchlight’ on March 25, 1971, which unleashed a wave of violence by the Pakistani occupation forces resulting in the deaths of 3 million people and the rapes of over two million women over the nine months of war.
He underscored the ongoing efforts of the High Commission towards securing recognition of the 1971 genocide in Canada.
He cited the collaborative efforts between the High Commission and the Bangabandhu Center for Bangladesh Studies in Canada (BCBS), which resulted in the decision of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) in Winnipeg, Canada for the ‘Permanent Display of the Exhibits of the Genocide’ as well as the permanent display of the portrait of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in their Breaking the Silence Gallery.
He expressed optimism that the commissioning of the permanent display by CMHR would take place officially in September/October 2024.
On March 25, Bangladesh High Commission in Ottawa observed Genocide Day-2024 with solemn reverence.
High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Canada, Dr. Khalilur Rahman, presided over a special discussion meeting commemorating the occasion at the High Commission's auditorium.
All officers and officials of the High Commission were present during the discussion event.
The proceedings commenced with observance of a minute of silence in remembrance of 3 million martyrs who sacrificed their lives in 1971.
Subsequently, messages from the President, Prime Minister on this significant day were read out by respective officers of the High Commission.
A documentary capturing the essence of the Genocide Day was also screened.
Among others, Dewan Hossne Ayub, Minister of the High Commission emphasised the importance of international recognition of the 1971 genocide.
Concluding the event, a special prayer was offered for the souls of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the Father of the Nation, and the three million martyrs of the Liberation War.