The Embassy of Bangladesh in Seoul observed the Genocide Day 2019 with due solemnity and fervor on 25th March 2019 at its premise.
To raise awareness about the 1971 Genocide in Bangladesh in the Republic of Korea, especially among the young generation of this country, the Embassy invited some college students to the event. The members of Bangladesh community along with the officials of the Embassy also attended the event.
The event commenced with the singing of national anthem followed by reading out of verses from the Holy Quran, Geeta, Bible, and Tripitaka and conducting of special prayer for the salvation of the departed souls of the martyrs. Then, a one-minute silence was observed with candlelight vigil in remembrance of the martyrs of 25th March and the War of Independence. The officers of the Embassy read out the messages of the Hon’ble President and Hon’ble Prime Minister given on this occasion. Reflecting on the scale and magnitude of the Genocide, a documentary titled “Genocide 1971”was screened. Also, a booklet titled “Bangladesh Genocide Revisited” was distributed among the attendees.
During the discussion, the speakers focused on the importance of the recognition of the 1971 Genocide that was committed 48 years ago. In her speech in Bangla, Ms. Jung Jae-hee, a student ofShingu College of Korea, highlighted on the similarities of historical struggle between Bangladesh and the Republic of Korea. She also paid rich tribute to the 3 million martyrs and the freedom fighters of the Liberation War.
In her speech, the H.E. Ambassador Abida Islam paid rich tribute to the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, all the martyrs and freedom fighters of the War of Independence. She mentioned that this genocide is not mentioned in any official and historical narratives of the South Asia region, the UN or any other international circles. She also underlined that once recognized and documented by the international community, no fabrication of information on the facts of the 1971 Genocide in Bangladesh would be possible.
A poetry recital on the Liberation War followed the discussion session. The program finally concluded with serving of snacks with traditional Bangladeshi food items.