Andalib Elias, Deputy High Commissioner of Bangladesh posted in Kolkata, said, ‘The genocide that the Pakistani army started in Bangladesh on March 25, 1971, lasted for nine months. The massacre was one of the worst massacres in history. Under the leadership of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, we got freedom in exchange for the blood of 3 million martyrs. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, efforts are underway to get international recognition of the genocide in 1971 and this initiative will surely succeed in the United Nations.

‘Genocide Day’ was celebrated in Kolkata on Saturday to demand international recognition of the 1971 genocide. At the beginning of the program organized at Bangladesh Gallery, a documentary about the day was shown. A minute’s silence was observed afterwards. Deputy High Commissioner Andalib Ilyas led the wreath-laying of Bangabandhu’s portrait. Then Councilor (Education and Sports) Riazul Islam, Councilor (Political) and Tushita Chakma read out the Prime Minister’s speech. Minister (Political) Sikdar Mohammad Ashrafur Rahman and Press Secretary Ranjan Sen discussed Genocide Day in the event.

Deputy High Commission Second Secretary (Political) Sheikh Marefat Tariqul Islam presided over the program.