1971
India's support during 1971 Liberation War written in blood: Hasan Mahmud
Highlighting the growing Dhaka-Delhi ties, Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Sunday said how India and its people had supported Bangladesh during the 1971 Liberation War is written in blood.
While launching the Bangladesh Youth Delegation 2022 programme with Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Vikram Kumar Doraiswami at the high commission in Dhaka, Hasan said the relations between the two countries reached new heights under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi.
The information minister emphasised strengthening people-to-people relations and hoped that such a programme will play an important role.
Doraiswami said the youth delegation programme will help the young people know each other and take the relationship forward to the next generation.
Also read: India resumes Bangladesh Youth Delegation programme MAY 15, 2022
The programme this time will be more inclusive and it is their best effort to reach out to the young people across Bangladesh and motivate them to become ambassadors of Bangladesh and ambassadors of the two countries' friendship, he added.
Historic Mujibnagar day being observed
The historic Mujibnagar Day is being observed today(Sunday) marking the formation of Bangladesh's first government that led the Liberation War in 1971.
The day began with hoisting the national flag and placing wreaths at Mujibnagar Liberation War Memorial center at 9 am in Meherpur.
Later freedom fighters, members of police force, BGB, Ansar, VDP, BNCC, scouts, girls guide, and students will participate in a gorgeous parade at the mango orchard of Mujibnagar.
This year, the government declared the day as a public holiday at Mujibnagar upazila in Meherpur district.
On the eve of the day, President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages.
President Abdul Hamid urged the people of the country to perform their respective responsibilities in building the nation inspired by the spirit of the Liberation War on the eve of Mujibnagar Day.
“Through the celebration of the historic Mujibnagar Day, the present generation will be able to know the true history of the Liberation War and contribute to building ‘Sonar Bangla’ as dreamt by Bangabandhu being inspired by patriotism,” he said.
The Prime Minister called upon all to uphold the great ideals of the Father of the Nation and the spirit of the Liberation War on the 51st anniversary of Mujibnagar Day.
“Let us work together to build the hunger-poverty-free and prosperous 'Golden Bangladesh' as dreamt by the Father of the Nation by resisting all immediate conspiracies” she said in her message.
READ: Historic Mujibnagar Day observed in Seoul
Different socio-cultural and political organisations will observe the day with elaborate programmes.
National dailies brought out special supplements while Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television, and private radio and television channels aired special programmes highlighting the significance of the day.
Similar programmes at district, upazila level, and Bangladesh embassies in different countries will be arranged to highlight the significance of the Independence Day.
Senior leaders of Awami League assembled at Baidyanathtala, a mango orchard, which was later named as Mujibnagar, in Meherpur district on April 17, 1971 to form the provisional government of independent Bangladesh in the absence of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who was arrested and flown to Pakistan after Pakistan military had cracked down on the Bangalees on the night of March 25, 1971.
Bangabandhu was declared the first President of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, while Vice-president Syed Nazrul Islam became the acting president in the absence of Bangabandhu.
Tajuddin Ahmad was appointed the first Prime Minister, while Khandoker Moshtaque Ahmed, M Mansur Ali and AHM Quamaruzzaman were named cabinet members.
Muslim Bazar massacre in 1971: Remains buried at Martyred Intellectuals’ Graveyard
The remains of the victims of the Muslim Bazar massacre by the Pakistani army during the Liberation War in 1971 were buried with state honours at the Martyred Intellectuals' Graveyard at Mirpur in the city on Monday.
The burial was held under the supervision of the Bangladesh Army and in presence of Chief of Army Staff General S M Shafiuddin Ahmed, said an ISPR press release.
On July 27, 1999, while digging a well during the renovation of the Nuri Mosque in Mirpur's Section 12, many remains including skulls and bones, human hair braids, veils, and pieces of clothing were unearthed.
Also read: Bangladesh calls British parliament to move a motion recognising 1971 genocide
For confirmation of whether the recovered bones and skulls were evidence of the genocide of 1971, the War Crimes Facts Finding Committee examined the evidence of martyrs and carried out scientific research, added the release.
The research included examining tissue samples of blood relatives of the martyrs.
Later, some of the remains were donated to the Liberation War Museum and some to the Army Museum for preservation.
Also read: Discussion in UN: Recognition of 1971 genocide sought
Senior officers of the army, other members of the army and local dignitaries were also present at that time.
Role of Bangladeshi Women in the Liberation War of 1971
Generally, women have been treated as icons of beauty, softness, innocence, and magnificence. They are also considered passive, soft, and innocent. But it is hardly believed that they can be valiant fighters. Though it is almost difficult for the general women to join the front line of the war, they have great contributions to the Liberation war that occurred in 1971. They could do so because of their irrepressible thirst for the country’s freedom. Let’s find out how women participated in 1971’s liberation war. We will also highlight some great women freedom fighters of Bangladesh.
Contribution of Bangladeshi Women in 1971’s Independence war of Bangladesh
As a Guerilla
Cobra camp was set up in Kolkata where about 400 women freedom fighters were trained to participate in the frontal war. The Awami League woman leader Sajeda Chowdhury took care of the camp.
Read Achievements of Bangladesh in sports in 50 years since independence
Shirin Banu, Farquan Begum, Alamtaj Begum, Karuna Begum, Shobha Rani, Bithika Biswas, Meherunnesa, and many more women freedom fighters were trained there to fight for the country. But their stories remain unexplored; the nation is not aware of its contribution to the emergence of independent Bangladesh even today.
Run cultural activities to grow world sentiment
Women were in inspiration. They played a special role in maintaining the determination of the warriors during the liberation war. At that time, the country's most popular radio transistor was 'Shadhin Bangla Betar Kendra'. Most of the programs at this radio station were run by women. Its opening melody was 'Joy Bangla Banglar Joy'. When the song was played, everyone became stunned! Poet Rosie also recited different inspirational poems at Shadhin Bangla Betar Kendra.
Read Who was Sheikh Mujibur Rahman? A Short Biography of Bangabandhu, Father of the Nation
Women share information to get the world's opinion
Women freedom fighters contributed to develop public opinion for the liberation war inside and outside Bangladesh. Women both domestic and foreign, various women's organizations organized public meetings where they described the massacre of Pakistani forces to the people of the world.
Independence Day celebrated in Bangladesh
Bangladesh observed the Independence and National Day on Saturday, with a fresh vow to take the nation towards prosperity with the Liberation War spirit.
On March 26, 1971, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman proclaimed Bangladesh's independence, following a crackdown on unarmed Bengalis on the midnight of March 25 by Pakistani occupation forces.
After a nine-month war with the supreme sacrifices of three million people and the honour of 200,000 women, Bangladesh finally achieved victory on December 16, 1971.
Also read: Hasina greets Freedom Fighters on Independence Day
Oppo campaign launched to honour heroic people of 1971, heroes of our time
Global smart device brand Oppo, in collaboration with BURO Bangladesh, has come up with the campaign "Stories of Heroic People" to mark the 51st Victory Day of Bangladesh.
To pay tribute to heroes of the 1971 Liberation War and heroes of the present-day – such as frontliners – Oppo's campaign activities will begin Sunday and run until December 18.
During this period, the campaign participants will have to share the untold stories of the heroes living around them.
Read: OPPO Reno6 goes on sale
They will have to share their stories on Oppo Bangladesh's Facebook page along with their photos.
These amazing stories, scenes, and moments of heroes will be collected in Oppo Gallery, a virtual online art collection where everyone can create their own stories with a simple hashtag.
Three heroes will be honoured by Oppo and BURO Bangladesh.
Read: OPPO Reno6: The new beauty in the town with Cinematic Bokeh Flare portrait
The participants who will share beautiful stories can have the opportunity to win Oppo's recently launched phone Reno6 or IoT products as gifts.
Anne de Henning’s courageous photographs capture the ragged glory of 1971
Lauding French photographer Anne de Henning’s rare, historical and monumental photographs captured during the 1971 Liberation War and her unique, colourful and never seen before photographs of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, speakers on Friday said that the photographer is a true friend of Bangladesh and her courageous efforts behind capturing the history must be gloriously recognized.
The speakers shared these remarks at the inauguration ceremony of French photographer Anne de Henning’s unique solo photographic exhibition titled 'Witnessing History in the Making: Photographs by Anne de Henning', a focused presentation of rare, never before exhibited images, organized by the Samdani Art Foundation and Centre for Research and Information (CRI) at the National Art Gallery, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) in the capital.
Also read: Samdani Art Foundation, CRI to exhibit unseen photographs of 1971-72
Curated by Ruxmini Reckvana Q Choudhury, the exhibition is showcasing Henning's historical photographs which she captured between the 1971 Liberation War, witnessing the freedom of the then East Pakistan and the birth of Bangladesh - and during her second visit in 1972 where she photographed Bangabandhu giving a speech at the first Council Meeting of Awami League after the independence of Bangladesh.
Mukundalal Sarker's 42th death anniversary tomorrow
The 42th anniversary of death of Mukundalal Sarker, a prominent leader of anti-British Movement and a war veteran of 1971, will be observed tomorrow (Wednesday).
Sree Sarker was born in 1909 at Dharmaryer Bari Village under Muksedpur Upazila of Gopalgonj district. During his long political career, he played an important role in building a strong resistance against the imperialist forces and actively participated in the movement against Zamindary system. He was detained for several times for his role against British rule.
Sree Sarker was imprisoned under defense of Pakistan rule in 1965. He was very close to Hussain Shaheed Suhurawardy, Sher-e- Bangla A. K. Fazlul Huq, Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani and Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
As part of social welfare activities, Sree Sarker established several colleges, high schools and primary schools in different areas of Gopalgonj and Khulna.
To observe the day, special prayers and discussion on the book titled: ‘Gopalgonjer Mukundalal: Janapader Janoneta’ written by Bangla Academy Director Dr Tapan Bagchi will be held at 4pm tomorrow (Wednesday) at Sree Sarker’s Dharmarayer Bari residence.
Highsur Bridhaashram at Kasiani upazila of Gopalgonj district will organize a function to feed special diet to the hapless older man and women of the Bridhyaashram on the day and offer prayer to pay tribute to Mukundalal Sarker.
His second son Manaindra Nath Sarker, editor of Education Today and columnist, third son Subash Sarker, General Manager of M R Engineering and Ajit Kumar Sarker, Senior Journalist and former City Editor of BSS have requested all to pray for peace of the departed soul of their father.
Pak scholar wants their govt to apologise to Bangladesh
Internationally renowned scholar from Pakistan Husain Haqqani has said the people of Pakistan should urge their government to offer a formal apology to the people of Bangladesh for all the atrocities that were committed in 1971.
“To this day, no apology has been forthcoming.... an apology is the most courteous thing ...," he said who served as Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States from 2008 to 2011.
Referring to the general elections of 1970 in the then Pakistan and the Pakistan military, Haqqani, now living in the United States, said the military’s reaction in the form of imprisoning Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and initiating genocide against the Bengalis.
He made the remarks in a virtual talk on ‘‘Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman: An Iconic Leader of People’s Struggle for Freedom’’ organised by the Embassy of Bangladesh to Belgium and Luxembourg, and Mission to the European Union in Brussels on Monday.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen joined the event as chief guest while Bangladesh Ambassador in Brussels, Mahbub Hassan Saleh, moderated the event.
Ambassador Husain Haqqani, currently a Senior Fellow and Director for South and Central Asia at Hudson Institute, a top think tank in Washington, D.C., United States, said Bangabandhu is not only the greatest Bengali of all time, he is one of the greatest leaders emerging out of South Asia.
He also said Bangabandhu is a great leader in the history of the world, and an iconic figure of struggle for freedom that the world has seen throughout the 20th century.
50 years of Bangladesh Genocide commemorated in London calling for int'l recognition
Bangladesh High Commission in London in collaboration with Centre for Genocide Studies of the Dhaka University observed 50 years of Bangladesh Genocide calling for international recognition of the genocide and mass killings of Bangalees by the invading Pakistan army fifty years ago on March 25, 1971.
Bangladesh High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and Ireland Saida Muna Tasneem chaired the commemorative event titled “1971 Bangladesh Genocide and International Recognition.”
Dr Rounaq Jahan, professor of international affairs and senior research scholar at the Columbia University, also an eyewitness of 25 March 1971, presented a comparative narrative of contemporary genocides since the Second World War, international legal jurisprudence and legal opinions on the recognition of the Bangladesh genocide of 1971.
Also read: Resolution marking 50th anniversary of Bangladesh’s independence introduced in US House
International genocides and war crimes experts, including Professor Joann Digeorge-Lutz, Head of the Department of Liberal Studies of Texas A&M University, Yasmin Saikia, Professor of History and Hardt-Nickachos Chair in Peace Studies of Arizona State University and Dr Sachi Dastagir, professor of State University of New York College and Chair, Indian Subcontinent partition documentation project speaking as panelists recommended a number of strategies used by genocide victims such as Rwanda, Bosnia and Cambodia which could create greater awareness about their genocide atrocities.
Dr Mizanur Rahman, Research Director of Bangladesh Institute of International Affairs and former chairman of the National Human Right Commission, Dr Imitaz Ahmed, professor of the International Relations and Director of Centre for Genocide Studies of the Dhaka University, Sultan Mahmud Sharif, a leading organiser of Bangladesh Liberation War in the UK, freedom fighter Dewan Gaus Sultan and Dr Nuzhat Chowdhury, daughter of 1971 martyr intellectual Dr Alim Chowdhury also spoke as panelists.
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary celebration of Bangladesh’s glorious independence inspired by the theme ‘The Eternal Mujib’ Bangladesh High Commission London paid deep homage to the 3 million victims and 200,000 Biranganas of the 1971 genocide committed on the soil of Bangladesh during 1971 War of Liberation.
Also read: 50th Years of Independence: Queen Elizabeth greets Bangladeshis
Expressing her gratitude to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for declaring 25 March as the Bangladesh Genocide Day, High Commissioner Saida Muna Tasneem said, “The government headed by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina started the 1971 war crimes trials through the independent International Crimes Tribunal, Bangladesh. It is now the responsibility of our generation to create global awareness about international recognition of the 1971 Bangladesh genocide and prevent genocide never happens anywhere else.”
The High Commissioner said the massacre of 1971 is in no way less significant than those in Cambodia, Bosnia, Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia; and pledged to create greater awareness on Bangladesh genocide amongst British political, humanitarian and think-tank circles and said today’s event is part of the effort.
Dr Mizanur Rhaman spoke on international legal provisions for recognition of Bangladesh genocide of 1971 and said that the recognition of Bangladesh genocide is indispensable for sake of justice.
Dr Imitaz Ahmed said Bangladesh 1971 genocide should get international recognition as the mass killing on 25 March and the following months was intended to destroy the entire Bengalee nation.
Dr Nuzhat Chowdhury described the brutal intellectual killings on 14 December 1971 and demanded an unconditional apology from the Pakistan army and their collaborators.
Earlier, messages from the President and Prime Minister on the Day were read out and special prayers were offered, seeking eternal peace for Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, his martyred families, the martyrs of March 25 and the glorious liberation war.
Also read: Pakistani war criminals should be brought under trial: Envoy
A one-minute silence was observed in honour of the martyrs of 71 Genocide.
A documentary on the genocide was also screened. Dedicating to the 1971 martyrs, Political Counsellor Dewan Mahmudul Haque recited a famous poem of eminent poet Shamsur Rahman.
Members of the British-Bangladeshi diaspora joined the virtual event and paid their profound respects to the Father of the Nation and the martyrs killed on March 25 genocide and during the nine-month glorious liberation war.