Bangladesh urges UN to acknowledge genocide Pakistan perpetrated in 1971

Sanchita Haque, the deputy permanent representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations in Geneva, has urged that the 1971 Genocide carried out by the Pakistani Army be recognised.

While addressing a side event at the UN on Monday, Haque said, “The Bangladesh government has declared March 25 as Genocide Day. Bangladesh condemns genocides committed anywhere, everywhere. We will continue to raise our voices against genocide and demand justice and accountability for the victims of genocide. We will also continue working for the recognition of the 1971 genocide,” BSS (Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha) news agency reported.

On March 25, 1971, the Pakistani Army began “Operation Searchlight,” a deliberate military operation in which its forces intentionally injured hundreds of thousands of Bangladeshi citizens.

The Deputy Envoy added that the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), which was established in Bangladesh to trial Pakistan Army collaborators who were instrumental in aiding the genocide, is still in operation.

The European-based diaspora organisation BASUG organised the event in association with the Swiss Human Rights Forum Bangladesh and the European Bangladesh Forum (EBF).

According to BSS, the conference took place during the 51st session of the UN Human Rights Council, which was hosted at the UN in Geneva.

They added that it is crucial and unavoidable to honour the victims of the 1971 genocide and their descendants via acknowledgment and that the moment is right for acknowledging the Bangladesh genocide.

Sadly, the genocide in Bangladesh has been forgotten in modern times, the speakers continued. (ANI)