Tag: BANGLADESH

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India, B’desh gain as goods flow to Northeast via Chittagong

Bangladesh is also set to extend its agreement allowing India to transport fuel to its northeast through its territory. ..writes Mahua Venkatesh

The trans-shipment exercise between Kolkata and India’s northeastern states via Bangladesh will open up a new horizon for both South Asian giants that share the fifth longest land border in the world. The distance between Kolkata and Agartala by road is treacherous. The 1650 kilometre land route is through Guwahati but through the Bangladesh waterways, it is only 620 km. Therefore transporting goods via Bangladesh saves time and cost for Indian logistics service providers.

Bangladesh is also set to extend its agreement allowing India to transport fuel to its northeast through its territory. The agreement, signed between the state run Indian Oil Corporation and Bangladesh government in August after several parts of the northeast were flooded due to heavy rains, will expire on November 30.

Despite being closely linked, South Asia as a region is one of the least connected. “In South Asia, transport and trade challenges mean that it is about 15-20 per cent less expensive for an Indian company to trade with a counterpart in Brazil or Germany than in Bangladesh.  Improved connectivity can reduce trading costs, lead to greater economic growth, and reduce poverty in South Asia,” Cecile Fruman, Director, Regional Integration and Engagement, South Asia told India Narrative in an interview.

As New Delhi concluded its trial trans-shipment exercise on Monday, using Bangladesh’s Chittagong and Mongla ports to transport goods to its northeast — much ahead of the December deadline–Bangladeshi private sector is also upbeat. The exercise will benefit a host of businesses while boosting overall income levels. The Bangladesh exchequer will stand to benefit too.

“India is committed to unlock the potential of the region with connectivity for greater economic growth with the spirit of shared prosperity. Who wouldn’t benefit from a shorter supply chain? Bangladesh and India are in tandem for facilitating landlocked northeastern states including opening up for Nepal and Bhutan,” geopolitical and security analyst Navita Srikant told India Narrative.

Srikant added that ASEAN to Bay of Bengal economies are now coming closer as several economic frameworks such as BIMSTEC and Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) along with India’s Act East policy have started to pay dividends.

Abdullah Sadi, Bangladeshi researcher at Boston University wrote in an article published by the Business Standard (Bangladesh) that in the last four years, Dhaka has earned Taka 36 lakh from 17 consignments through the Kolkata-Ashuganj-Akhaura route.

Last month alone the total income of the government and private sector from the shipment of goods from Kolkata to Assam using Chittagong port was more than Taka 2 lakh, he noted.

The transit agreement was signed between India and Bangladesh in 2018. The agreement is aimed at facilitating transhipment and use of Mongla and Chittagong ports. This would mean that goods from Kolkata can be sent to the land-locked northeastern states through Bangladesh, an exercise that will reduce both transit cost and time.

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Kolkata Port upbeat after trials through Bangladesh ports

The Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMP) in Kolkata has already started movement of cargo to and from Assam through National Waterways 1 and National Waterways 2…reports Asian Lite News

The mood is upbeat at the Kolkata Port after the successful completion of trials for movement of cargo to the northeastern states using the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route.

Under this plan, cargo from the ports of Kolkata and Haldia will sail to ports in Bangladesh from where they will take the land route to states like Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram. On their way back, the ships will carry goods from the northeastern states, both for export as well as the domestic market.

This will reduce dependence on the congested land route through the narrow chicken neck corridor that connects the northeastern states with the rest of the country. Use of the waterways will not only be faster and cheaper, but also eco-friendly.

The Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMP) in Kolkata has already started movement of cargo to and from Assam through National Waterways 1 and National Waterways 2.

On Monday, Samrat Rahi, Deputy Chairman, Kolkata Dock System (KDS), SMP, hailed the successful completion of cargo movement between Tamabil and Chittagong well ahead of schedule. Tamabil is in Sylhet, Bangladesh, and very close to Meghalaya. It has a Land Customs Station to facilitate the movement of goods between the two countries.

The successful trial along this route will enable ships from Kolkata and Haldia to berth at Chittagong. Cargo will then move by road to Tamabil, about 400 km away and then cross the border in Meghalaya. Similarly, goods from Meghalaya will take the return route back to Kolkata or Haldia.

“The other routes that were explored are between Mongla and Tamabil, Chittagong-Sheola and Mongla-Bibirbazar. We hope to put things in place by December,” Rahi said.

P.L. Haranadh, Chairman, SMP, also expressed his satisfaction at the development.

The Sheola Land Port is also in Sylhet and close to Karimganj, Assam. Its distance from Chittagong is about 390 km. Similarly, Bibirbazar is in the Comilla district of Bangladesh and close to Tripura. Bibirbazar is about 305 km from Mongla.

ALSO READ: BSF foils bid to smuggle cattle to Bangladesh

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13 BNP activists arrested for attack on former judge

Justice Manik came under attack in the Nayapaltan area of the capital on November 2…reports Asian Lite News

A total of 13 activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party have been arrested for the attack on retired Supreme Court appellate division judge, Justice A.H.M. Shamsuddin Choudhury Manik, police said on Tuesday.

While a Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) official put the number of arrested at 12, officials of the elite RAB told IANS that they had arrested the 13th BNP accused on Tuesday.

Justice Manik had delivered the judgment against war criminal, Jamat leader Delwar Hossain Sayeedee, and he was targetted by the BNP for terming its founder and former military ruler BNP founder Ziaur Rahman the killer of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibar Rahman.

“We’ve so far arrested 12 people over the attack on the Justice and vandalism of his private car. We’ve interrogated them and scrutinised CCTV footage. We’ve got confirmation that the attack was carried out from the BNP rally,” DMP’s Detective Branch chief Harun-ur-Rashid had said on Monday at a briefing on the arrest of six members of an hacking gang.

He said Harun that said some of the arrestees were still being interrogated in their custody. “We’ll be able to extract information about whether other people were involved in the attack.”

Justice Manik came under attack in the Nayapaltan area of the capital on November 2. A group of people from a procession swooped on his car while passing near the Central Police Hospital, vandalised it, and assaulted him, and his driver and gunman.

Oppn parties target Hasina

India must up its ante as Bangladesh’s opposition parties including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) are now gearing up to hold rallies and processions and even blockade the country in a bid to oust the current Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Hasina on Thursday said in Parliament that the opposition parties are trying to stir up political instability in her country. “When the country is in a transition period (crisis), I’ve not seen such concern among those who are in our opposition. Rather I’ve seen that they are trying how to create a political instability, taking its advantage. Is it fair to do that?” she said.

Amanullah Aman, senior member of the BNP said on October 8 that his party is planning to launch a new programme across the country targeting the government.

“If necessary, we will be martyrs but no election under (Prime Minister) Sheikh Hasina will be allowed. We will return home after ensuring the removal of this government,” Aman said.

Earlier, a report by the European Foundation for South Asian Studies (EFSAS) noted that the “behind-the-scenes role” of the Pakistani agency the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), has hugely boosted the BNP and other radical outfits.

The Awami League has been in power in Bangladesh since January 2009.

“Bangladesh has witnessed unprecedented growth in the last 10 years. This is due because Hasina in a pragmatic way prioritised economy over ideology. Simply put, she has delivered,” geopolitical and security analyst Navita Srikant told India Narrative.

Now it is slated to exit UN’s Least Developed Countries (LDC) list in 2026,

Bangladesh, which was considered a basket case at its birth in 1971, reached lower-middle income status in 2015, driven by Hasina’s economic policies.

But the recent economic crisis in the country has provided it with a solid issue around which to mobilize people, the Diplomat said. (with inputs from Mahua Venkatesh)

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Opposition targets Hasina, India must keep vigil

Bangdesh celebrates 52nd Independence -Hamid and Hasina paid rich tributes with the nation.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Hasina on Thursday said in Parliament that the opposition parties are trying to stir up political instability in her country, a report by Mahua Venkatesh

India must up its ante as Bangladesh’s opposition parties including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) are now gearing up to hold rallies and processions and even blockade the country in a bid to oust the current Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Hasina on Thursday said in Parliament that the opposition parties are trying to stir up political instability in her country. “When the country is in a transition period (crisis), I’ve not seen such concern among those who are in our opposition. Rather I’ve seen that they are trying how to create a political instability, taking its advantage. Is it fair to do that?” she said.

Amanullah Aman, senior member of the BNP said on October 8 that his party is planning to launch a new programme across the country targeting the government.

“If necessary, we will be martyrs but no election under (Prime Minister) Sheikh Hasina will be allowed. We will return home after ensuring the removal of this government,” Aman said.

Earlier, a report by the European Foundation for South Asian Studies (EFSAS) noted that the “behind-the-scenes role” of the Pakistani agency the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), has hugely boosted the BNP and other radical outfits.

Terrorist groups unleashed reign of terror in B’desh: Hasina



The Awami League has been in power in Bangladesh since January 2009.

“Bangladesh has witnessed unprecedented growth in the last 10 years. This is due because Hasina in a pragmatic way prioritised economy over ideology. Simply put, she has delivered,” geopolitical and security analyst Navita Srikant told India Narrative.

Now it is slated to exit UN’s Least Developed Countries (LDC) list in 2026,

Bangladesh, which was considered a basket case at its birth in 1971, reached lower-middle income status in 2015, driven by Hasina’s economic policies.

But the recent economic crisis in the country has provided it with a solid issue around which to mobilize people, the Diplomat said.

India is home to more than 200 million Muslims and unrest in Bangladesh has a direct impact on Indian polity, especially its northeastern states, which border the South Asian nation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Bangladesh as a joho jatri or a co-passenger in India’s economic and social journey.

“India and Bangladesh enjoy a strong relationship, we need to grow together and we need greater collaboration to weed out extremism in the region. Peace has to prevail for both economies to grow and enhance economic cooperation,” Srikant said.

From time to time, Bangladesh has witnessed anti India activities.

Despite Hasina’s repeated urge to maintain peace and uphold the principles of secularism, a Kali temple in Dautiya village in Jhenaidah district was vandalised just last month.

In 2021, the Durga Puja festival was marred by violence leaving at least seven people dead.

“Since a long time, radical elements have been part of the society, which otherwise has been driven by its culture where both Nazrul Geeti and Rabindra Sangeet have been prevalent. These radical forces have been playing a part from time to time,” Anil Trigunayat, former diplomat, told India Narrative earlier.

The Hefazat-e-Islam, which launched violent protests last year during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Dhaka, continues to pose challenges to the Hasina government, though sources said that Dhaka has tried to make peace with the radical outfit in a bid to maintain overall peace.

Just a few days ago the HeI said it will write a letter to Hasina seeking withdrawal of all cases filed against the organisation’s leaders and activists since 2013. It will also demand the release of their leaders who are in prison.

(The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com)

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BSF foils bid to smuggle cattle to Bangladesh

Illegal cattle trade is rampant in the state and Assam Police has been going hard against cattle smugglers and has strengthened its vigilance mechanism…reports Asian Lite News

Border Security Force (BSF) Meghalaya on Thursday rescued 25 cattle from the International border of West Jaintia Hills which were meant to be smuggled to Bangladesh.

The BSF also confiscated three vehicles in which these cattle were found crammed.

“In a joint operation with Meghalaya Police, the Mobile Check Post (MCP) of BSF Meghalaya confiscated three vehicles crammed with 25 cattle meant to be smuggled to Bangladesh from the International border of West Jaintia Hills,” said BSF in a statement.

Further investigation is underway.

Last month, police in Assam’s Nagaon district seized two dozen cattle from smugglers.

“On the basis of source information today, SI Simanta Ray, O/C, Jakhalabandha PS, along with PS staff, detained one truck bearing Reg. No. AS 25EC 9833 which was illegally transporting 24 cattle heads from Jorhat side towards Meghalaya,” Nagaon Police tweeted.

“Accordingly the vehicle and the cattle heads were recovered and seized. The following cattle smugglers were apprehended namely – 1. Rabul Islam, 27 years, S/O Akash Ali 2. Ekdil Hussain, 21 years, S/O Muslim Uddin Both of Vill Datialguri, PS Beloguri, Dist Morigaon,” another tweet said.

Back in October, the district police seized over four dozen cattle heads. In three separate operations at three locations, Nagaon Police recovered 50 cattle — 4, 23, and 23 — respectively.

Illegal cattle trade is rampant in the state and Assam Police has been going hard against cattle smugglers and has strengthened its vigilance mechanism.

India -Bangladesh border

BSF-BGB commander level talks

A Sector Commander level meeting between Border Security Force (BSF) and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) was held on Tuesday at BOP Kilapara in Meghalaya’s West Garo Hills district.

The BSF delegation was led by Harmeet Singh, DIG, Sector HQ BSF, Tura and the BGB delegation was led by Md. Mahmudur Rahman, Deputy Director General, Sector Commander BGB, Mymensingh, Bangladesh.

Before the meeting began Sector Commander BGB, Mymensingh (Bangladesh), Md Mahmudur Rahman and Harmeet Singh, Deputy Inspector General, HQ Tura Sector, BSF laid wreaths at War Memorial, Kilapara.

During the meeting commanders of both the border guarding forces discussed various border related issues i.e trans-border crimes, illegal sand mining, illegal cattle grazing, etc.

Both the sides agreed to strengthen existing cordial and good relations further to ensure peace and tranquility on both sides of the border. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Bangladesh sees spike in dengue deaths

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Asia News Bangladesh

Bangladesh sees spike in dengue deaths

While 20 deaths were reported so far in November, there were 86 deaths in October, 34 in September, 11 in August, nine in July and one in June…reports Asian Lite News

In the last 24 hours, nine people died due to dengue in Bangladesh, the highest number since January, which raised the official death toll from the mosquito-borne disease to 161 this year.

The South Asian country has witnessed a significant spike in dengue cases, with 2,959 cases reported in the first three days of this month, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) under the Ministry of Health.

While 20 deaths were reported so far in November, there were 86 deaths in October, 34 in September, 11 in August, nine in July and one in June, Xinhua news agency quoted the DGHS as saying.

In severe cases, dengue can cause joint pain, nausea, vomiting, rashes, breathing problems, haemorrhaging and organ failure.

The June-September monsoon period is the season of dengue fever in Bangladesh, which is considered a high-risk nation for the disease.

The majority of the reported cases occurred in the capital Dhaka.

A total of 882 fresh dengue cases, including 498 in Dhaka, were reported in last 24 hours.

In October, 21,932 dengue cases were recorded, after 9,911 people were infected with the mosquito-borne disease in September, according to the DGHS.

It has recorded 40,983 dengue cases and 37,146 recoveries so far this year.

Health Minister Zahid Maleque on Thursday stressed the need for strengthening preventive measures, saying controlling dengue is difficult without public awareness.

As the weather is different than before due to climate change, he said, dengue outbreak is still rampant amid intermittent rains in the country, making things more difficult.

Apart from Bangladesh, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam have also been affected by dengue because of climate change, he said.

The Minister added that the government is working sincerely to deal with the current dengue situation in the country.

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People will make Awami League triumph again: B’desh Minister

Asaduzzaman exuded confidence that people of the country will not make any mistake and will make Awami League triumph again by voting for them…reports Sumi Khan

The ruling Awami League has heard that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has formed a “cabinet” as a part of conspiracy to oust it from power, Bangladesh Home Minister Asaduzzaman Kamal said.

During seventh triennial council of Dhaka district Awami League here on Saturday, the minister said, “For some days, I have been hearing that on 10 December they (BNP) will occupy Dhaka and oust us. We have been hearing that, though they did not declare it. We heard, they have also formed a (shadow) cabinet.”

Awami League leader Asaduzzaman said: “We all will move together. We want to see the honourable prime minister as prime minister again.”

Asaduzzaman exuded confidence that people of the country will not make any mistake and will make Awami League triumph again by voting for them.

Bangladesh Home Minister Asaduzzaman Kamal(twitter)

He said, “There is no place in Bangladesh where Awami League fails to be established strongly. The whole of Bangladesh thinks as long as the country is led by the people’s leader Sheikh Hasina, the country will remain illuminated.”

Meanwhile, militants of ‘pro-Pakistan’ Jamaat-Shibir leaders and activists participated in BNP’s divisional mass meeting at Collectorate Eidgah ground in Rangpur on Saturday, police said.

The BNP along with its ally Jamaat-Shibir is planning to create chaos in Rangpur, the detective officers of police told media.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir had said: “There will be no elections in the country without a caretaker government.”

Addressing the party’s divisional mass rally in Rangpur city, Fakhrul, the BNP Secretary General, said Sheikh Hasina and her government will have to shoulder the responsibility if any famine occurs in Bangladesh again.

The BNP is going to take some important decisions before its grand rally in Dhaka on December 10, said the leaders.

“One of the decisions is the resignation of seven lawmakers from Parliament,” the BNP claimed.

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Bangladesh

100-member B’desh delegation completes India tour

According to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the visit encouraged cultural, political, and economic exchanges between the two nations and improved regional cooperation and global peace…reports Asian Lite News

A Bangladeshi Youth Delegation has completed a week-long familiarisation visit to India as part of a bilateral exchange programme between the two countries.

On Wednesday – the last day of the visit – Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports Anurag Singh Thakur hosted a dinner in honor of the the delegation which was the eighth such group to visit India.

According to an official release, Thakur interacted with various delegation members and also listened to their stories about their one-week stay in India.

The Bangladesh delegation members also stated their great appreciation for this programme. The delegation also presented a number of Bangladeshi cultural acts and an impressive Yogasana performance. The gala evening featured performances by Indian artists as well. Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Nisith Pramanik also attended the event.

According to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the visit encouraged cultural, political, and economic exchanges between the two nations and improved regional cooperation and global peace.

The ministry stated that Bangladesh and India have a shared cultural, economic, and political past. It was also mentioned that a sizable portion of India’s population speaks Bangla, the same language spoken in Bangladesh.

The ministry added, “Both the countries share a significant boundary with each other. We also have old, deep, friendly relations with each other and share common interests.”

The Bangladesh Youth Delegation called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on October 14 as part of the programme.

The team also went to other industrial, educational, and cultural locations, including the Taj Mahal in Agra, the Indian Institute of Management in Bengaluru, and Infosys in Mysore, where they had discussions with experts in their fields.

The 100-member delegation was made up of young people from various backgrounds, including students, aspiring journalists, business owners, social workers, and physicians, among others.

ALSO READ-Abu Dhabi, Bangladesh boost economic cooperation

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Abu Dhabi, Bangladesh boost economic cooperation

Bangladesh has achieved rapid economic growth in recent years and is enhancing business ecosystem by developing necessary measures to ensure ease of doing business and FDI attraction….reports Asian Lite News

The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), and Bangladesh Embassy in Abu Dhabi, have organised the Economic Cooperation Forum to enhance economic cooperation and mutual investment opportunities.

Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of ADDED, encouraged UAE and Bangladeshi investors and entrepreneurs to benefit from investments opportunities and the suitable business environment to thrive and enhance relations.

Al Shorafa said, “Abu Dhabi has established itself as a preferred destination for business and investment by offering a vibrant, globally competitive, and entrepreneurial ecosystem that generates and presents growth opportunities for all. Based on our strong ties and conducive business environment and supportive policies, we believe there are great potentials to further enhance our strategic cooperation in many sectors”.

The forum was attended by Mohammed Abu Zafar, Ambassador of Bangladesh to the UAE, Salman Fazulr Rahman, MP private industry and investment advisor to the prime minster of Bangladesh, Rashed Abdulkarim Al Blooshi, Under-Secretary of ADDED, Sameh Al Qubaisi, Director-General of Economic Affairs at ADDED, and several senior officials from Bangladesh, ADDED, and representatives of the private sector.

Bangladesh has achieved rapid economic growth in recent years and is enhancing business ecosystem by developing necessary measures to ensure ease of doing business and FDI attraction. According to the UN’s annual report, “World Economic Situation and Prospects”, Bangladesh’s economy is predicted to grow 5.8 percent in 2022 and 6 percent in 2023. The country has developed many industries and weathered the impacts of COVID-19 impacts on the global economy to retain its status as the second-largest garments exporter.

Abu Dhabi and Bangladesh bilateral trade and mutual investments are on the rise. With many opportunities to increase cooperation such as agriculture, food security, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, and financial services, the Economic Cooperation Forum presents an ideal platform to bring together key stakeholders in both sides.

Salman Fazulr Rahman’s presentation at the forum highlighted the growth of Bangladesh economy and steps taken to improve business and investment environment as well as areas of cooperation with Abu Dhabi.
Representatives of Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), KIZAD, and ADDED’s Industrial Development Bureau (IDB) showcased initiatives and investment opportunities in Abu Dhabi including the recently launched industrial strategy, aiming to cement the Emirate’s position as the region’s most competitive industrial hub and increasing non-oil exports from AED73.5 billion in 2021 to AED178.8bn by 2031.

For his part, Al Blooshi said, “This forum reflects our keen interest to explore new ways to further strengthen bilateral ties between Bangladesh and Abu Dhabi as we believe there are promising opportunities.”

“Abu Dhabi economy has proved its mettle in face of challenges in the global economy. By end of the first half 2022, the Emirate’s non-oil trade during grew 12 percent to AED124 billion, and exports rose 26 percent to AED 49.5 billion. We have launched various initiatives to facilitate trade and ensure ease of doing business by reducing costs and requirements, simplifying procedures, and enabling seamless integration of government services. Our efforts to offer businesses and entrepreneurs a compelling proposition are paying off as number of new business and flow of investments are witnessing a remarkable rise. We urge investors and business leaders from both sides to capitalise on these solid grounds.”

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US resolution urges Biden to recognise Bangladesh genocide

Photo taken on Dec. 14, 2016 shows images of the victims of the genocide including eminent academicians, litterateurs, doctors, engineers, journalists and other notable personalities who were murdered by Al-Badr, an auxiliary force of the then Pakistani occupation army in Dhaka, capital of Bangladesh. Bangladesh observed Martyred Intellectuals Day in commemoration of the martyrdom of the members of the intelligentsia who were assassinated at fag end of Bangladesh liberation war. (Xinhua/Rizwan Karim/IANS)

Congressman Chabot said legislation looks to recognise that the mass atrocities committed against Bengalis and Hindus, in particular, were indeed a genocide….reports Asian Lite News

Pakistan army committed genocide in Bangladesh against Bengalis and Hindus during the Bangladesh Liberation war, stated a newly introduced resolution in the US House that condemns Pakistan’s actions and called on President Joe Biden to recognise the atrocities of 1971 war.

The legislation brought by Congressmen Ro Khanna, and Steve Chabot, recognise Pakistan’s atrocities against ethnic groups constitute crimes against humanity, war crimes, and genocide. “…condemns the atrocities committed by the Armed Forces of Pakistan against the people of Bangladesh from March 1971 to December 1971; recognizes that such atrocities against ethnic Bengalis and Hindus constitute crimes against humanity, war crimes, and genocide; calls on the President of the United States to recognize the atrocities committed against ethnic Bengalis and Hindus by the Armed Forces of Pakitan during 1971 as crimes against humanity war crimes, and genocide,” the legislation read.

Congressman Chabot said legislation looks to recognise that the mass atrocities committed against Bengalis and Hindus, in particular, were indeed a genocide.

“The Bangladesh Genocide of 1971 must not be forgotten. With help from my Hindu constituents in Ohio’s First District, @RepRoKhanna and I introduced legislation to recognize that the mass atrocities committed against Bengalis and Hindus, in particular, were indeed a genocide,” Congressman Chabot tweeted. “We must not let the years erase the memory of the millions who were massacred. Recognizing the genocide strengthens the historical record, educates our fellow Americans, and lets would-be perpetrators know such crimes will not be tolerated or forgotten,” he said further.

Adding to what Chabot said, Khanna stated that the 1971 Bengali Genocide, in which millions of ethnic Bengalis and Hindus were killed or displaced, is one of the “most forgotten genocides of our time.” The introduction of US legislation is a result of sustained efforts from Bangladesh in the last few years which is seeking the Pakistan government’s apology to the people of Bangladesh for its role in such a genocide, according to United News Bangladesh.

Bangladesh Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque last month called the greater push for international recognition of genocide carried out on unarmed Bangalees, Bangladesh News Agency reported.

Haque said international recognition of the genocide of 1971 could not be realized 51 years after independence. But Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government declared March 25 as National Genocide Day. (ANI)

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