As Bangladesh remembered those who were brutally killed and tortured by Pakistani forces in 1971, several human rights foundations and activists of the country came forward in protest demanding an apology from Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and severe punishment for those involved in the 1971 genocide.
On December 14, Bangladesh observed the Martyred Intellectuals Day to mark the day of brutality when Pakistani forces, with the help of their local collaborators named Razakar, Al-Badr and Al-Shams, killed hundreds of intellectuals in Dhaka and other parts of Bangladesh in 1971.
Rallies, protests and human chains were organized all across the country in the memory of the intellectuals who were tortured and killed by Pakistani forces.
Muktijuddho Manch (Liberation War Forum) has submitted a Memorandum to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on December 14 of this year through Pakistani Embassy demanding an apology from Pakistan for the 1971 genocide on Bengali people and the killing of Bangladeshi intellectuals on December 14, 1971.
The forum also organized a 7-day long movie screening in TSC Hall, Dhaka University to create awareness amongst masses about the 1971 Liberation War.
To remember the sacrifice of those who were killed, Bangladesh Social Activist Forum also organized bicycle rallies with placard condemning Pakistan for its atrocities on Bangladeshis in 1971, especially the killing of intellectuals.
A human chain of about 1000 people was also formed in Narayanganj in memory of all the martyred intellectuals. Similarly, in Sylhet, Lien of Human Rights Foundation (LHRF) formed a human chain in which they demanded that Pakistani soldiers and officers responsible for genocide in 1971 be punished.
In Khulna, around 500 people participated in a rally organized by Bangladesh Social Activist Forum (BSAF) volunteers. Similar programmes were organized in Rajshahi, Benapole, Satkhira and Patualkhali under the banner of BSAF.
Holding banners which read, “Pakistani conspirators, after killing Bangabandhu, are again active to demolish his sculpture”, were also seen in a rally organized by Independence Forum in Sylhet.
Jongibad Protirodh Andolan Bangladesh [JPAB – Movement to Counter Terrorism) also organized human chain and a cycle rally through which they demanded trial of Pakistan army officers and soldiers involved in genocide and targeted killing of Bengali intellectuals on December 14, 1971.
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