Bangladesh Genocide Day Observed in Brussels

Ansar Ahmed Ullah
Shottobani

Brussels:  A solemn gathering took place in front of the European Parliament in Brussels on Monday, 25 March, to commemorate Bangladesh Genocide Day, marking one of the darkest chapters in the country’s history. The event served as a call for justice and official recognition of the 1971 genocide by the Pakistani military, in which an estimated three million Bengalis were killed and more than two hundred thousand women suffered brutal violence.

Organised by activists, community leaders, and human rights defenders, the rally highlighted the ongoing efforts to seek international acknowledgement of the atrocities committed during Bangladesh’s Liberation War.

Key speakers included Andy Vermaut, journalist and president of the World Council for Public Diplomacy & Community Dialogue, and Paulo Casaca, former Member of the European Parliament (MEP) and president of the South Asian Democratic Forum. They emphasised the need for historical truth and greater European involvement in addressing past injustices.

Also addressing the gathering were Dr Hasan Mahmud, Joint Secretary of the Bangladesh Awami League, Central Committee; Shahidul Hoque, President of the Belgium Awami League; Murshed Mahmud, President of Global Solidarity for Peace (GSP), Belgium; Humyun Maksud Himu, Vice President of the Belgium Awami League; Bazlur Rashid, former President of the Belgium Awami League and other members of the Bengali diaspora in Belgium. Among those present were figures such as Atikuzzaman Chowdhury, a leader within the Bengali community, and Manwar Ahammed. Rafique Ramuj, Shwapna Deb, Dilruba Begum and Daizy Akter were also present, as was Khaled Minhaj, Secretary of the Belgium Awami Jubo League. Rana Martuza, Nashat Tabassum (Mauri), Mahmud Mahir, Mahjabeen Suraiya and Master Ahyan Arhab (Amir) filled the ranks.

The rally underscored the significance of official recognition in preventing the erasure of history. Participants pointed to the European Union’s past actions, such as the recognition of the 1995 Srebrenica genocide, as a precedent for acknowledging Bangladesh’s past. A memorandum was submitted to the President of the European Parliament urging formal recognition of the 1971 genocide.

Beyond remembrance, the event also addressed contemporary concerns in Bangladesh, including political divisions, violence against minorities and economic challenges such as high inflation and a struggling banking sector. Speakers stressed that international support, particularly from the EU, is essential in ensuring democratic stability in the country.

Campaigns led by organisations such as Global Human Rights Defense and the Fundamental Rights Movement Postversa are pushing for global recognition and justice. The rally concluded with a powerful message that Pakistan must acknowledge its role in the atrocities while the EU must take decisive steps toward recognition.

“Acknowledgment of history is a fundamental step toward healing, justice, and preventing future atrocities,” said one speaker, echoing the sentiments of the gathered crowd. “The struggle against genocide denial continues, and so does our hope for truth and reconciliation.”