DHAKA, 27 March 2008 — Bangladesh celebrated its Independence and National Day yesterday with ceremonies and military parades, as protesters urged the government to prosecute those who collaborated with Pakistan during the war of independence.
Just after midnight, war veterans, victims’ families and supporters across Bangladesh switched off their lights for a minute of remembrance for the millions of Bangladeshis killed in the 1971 war and to demand the punishment of war criminals and collaborators.
Thousands also gathered at the ‘Shaheed Minar’, a memorial for soldiers in downtown Dhaka, lighting candles and shouting for war criminals to be prosecuted.
On March 26, 1971, Bangladesh, then the eastern flank of Pakistan, declared its independence from Islamabad. Official figures say about 3 million people were killed and millions more displaced during an ensuing nine-month war.
Army chief Moeen U. Ahmed said Tuesday he was optimistic that the military-backed interim government would consider holding war crimes trials. “I hope the government will definitely look into what the people want in this regard,” Ahmed said.
At dawn yesterday, President Iajuddin Ahmed and other Bangladeshi leaders placed wreaths at a national monument to war heroes near Dhaka and later attended a military parade near the National Parliament complex in the capital. Similar military parades took place across the country.
Ten Indian veterans of 1971 war led by retired Lt. Gen. J.F.R. Jacob attended the Independence and National Day functions in Dhaka.
Mohammed Rasooldeen adds from Riyadh: Bangladeshis in the Kingdom celebrated their country’s Independence and National Day with the missions in Riyadh and Jeddah holding functions to mark the occasion.
In Riyadh, Ambassador Ikramul Haque hoisted the country’s flag at a function attended by a large number of Bangladeshis including embassy officials, staff of Bangladeshi schools and officials from the Biman Airlines.
Messages of President Iajuddin Ahmed, Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed and Foreign Affairs Adviser Ifthekar Ahmed Chowdhury were read out
In their messages, they recalled the sacrifices made by the people for the freedom of the country. They urged Bangladeshi expatriates to contribute to the nation’s development. In the evening, the ambassador hosted a reception to mark the event.
An essay and art competition was held at the Bangladesh International School ( English Section) in Riyadh yesterday.
In Jeddah, Consul General Ali Akbar hoisted the national flag. In his speech, he paid tributes to those who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of the country.
The consul general hosted a dinner reception last night to mark the occasion.
