By Reporter Lee Sung Jun 

On March 25, 2023, the Bangladesh Embassy in Mexico City observed Genocide Day with solemnity and gravity, in memory of the millions of innocent Bengali civilians who were brutally massacred by the Pakistani aggressors during the Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971. 

The Embassy commemorated the day with a series of events aimed at highlighting the importance of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. 

The day commenced with the hoisting of the national flag at half-mast by Ambassador Abida Islam with the national anthem, followed by a minute of silence in the presence of all embassy officials. Messages from the Honorable President and Prime Minister were read out, and a special prayer was offered to the martyrs of the genocide. 

In collaboration with the Centre for Asian and African Studies at El Colegio De Mexico, the Embassy organized a seminar titled "Recognizing the 1971 Bangladesh Genocide: An Appeal for Rendering Justice" on March 27, 2023. The keynote speech was presented by Imtiaz Ahmed, Professor of International Relations and Director of the Centre for Genocide Studies at Dhaka University, who provided further insights into the genocide in Bangladesh and the ongoing efforts for its international recognition. Professor Ishita Banerjee from the Centre for Gender Studies also participated as a panelist. The event was moderated by Professor Roberto García, Director of the Centre for Asian and African Studies José Antonio Cervera, and other members of the center, along with students in attendance. 

In her speech, Ambassador Abida Islam paid a heartfelt tribute to the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and the martyrs of the liberation war, emphasizing the unprecedented scale of violence and the importance of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. 

To promote cultural exchange, the Embassy inaugurated a two-week-long exhi-bition on Bangladeshi books and crafts at the prestigious Daniel Cosio Villegas Library of ColMex, which was inaugurated by the General Academic Coordinator of Colmex Ana Covarrubias, Director of the Colmex Library Micaela Chávez, and Director of the Centre for Asian and African Studies José Antonio Cervera. The Embassy also donated publications to serve as a resource for the students of ColMex, providing them with an opportunity to learn more about Bangladesh and its people. 

The Bangladesh Embassy in Mexico City urges the world community to recognize Genocide Day and to render justice to the victims of the 1971 Bangladesh Genocide.