ICSF arranges programme to commemorate 50th anniversary of the genocide and independence

International Crimes Strategy Forum's, along with members of Australian Bangladeshi diaspora, arranged a program to commemorate 50th anniversary of the genocide and independence.

The online discussion event titled, "Global Recognition of 1971 Bangladesh Genocide" was held on 25 March, which has been declared "Bengali Genocide Remembrance Day" by the government. 

Viewers from at least 26 cities of Bangladesh, Australia, UK, USA, Canada, Malaysia, South Korea, and Japan logged in to participate in the program. The discussion program started at 4 PM Bangladesh time and was broadcasted live through Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter.

Columnist Dr Ezaz Mamun from Canberra inaugurated the discussion with his welcome speech.And former Chair of Bangladesh Human Rights Commission Prof Mizanur Rahman moderated the discussion.

At the beginning of the discussion, trustee of ICSF Dr Rayhan Rashid, expounded on organisational stance on global recognition of Bangladesh genocide. 

On behalf of ICSF, three specific recommendations were made to the government: one, Genocide perpetrated during 1971 needs to be included in the constitution of Bangladesh to secure its constitutional recognition; Two, "Global Recognition of Bangladesh Genocide" should be treated as an inseparable part of foreign policy; And three, three should be reflections of the lessons learned from previous genocides in conducting state affairs.

Member of Parliament Shirin Akhtar mentioned that she would discuss with the Prime Minister the point of including the matter of 1971 genocide into the constitution. S

Member of Bangladesh Human Rights Commission Dr Namita Halder, along with the High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Australia and other officials spoke on the occasion.

Among the members of the Bangladeshi Australian diaspora, Lilac Shahid, Kamal Uddin, Abu Taher Mollick, and Ignatius Rozario also spoke during the discussion.