Stichting BASUG (Bangladesh Support Group), a Bangladeshi diaspora organization with Special Consultative Status of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations, along with Aamra Ekattor, Projonmo '71, European Bangladesh Forum (EBF), and Seraji Foundation have reiterated their demand for the international recognition of the 1971 genocide committed against the Bengali nation during the Bangladesh War of Independence.
The 1971 genocide in Bangladesh, orchestrated by Pakistani authorities and carried out by the Pakistani military with the help of their Bihari and Bengali collaborators, stands as one of the gravest mass atrocities since World War II. The Bangladesh government estimates that three million people were killed, over two-hundred thousand women were sexually and physically violated, and ten million people were forced to flee to India, leaving behind their homes and possessions to save their lives and the dignity of their women.
The Pakistan Army employed systematic rape as a weapon of war, abducting young girls and women who were repeatedly gang-raped in specially organized camps. Intellectuals and professionals of Bangladesh were also targeted and killed in an attempt to cripple the country intellectually.
Numerous historical documents, including newspapers, magazines, publications, and diplomatic correspondences, bear witness to the atrocities committed during the 1971 genocide. International media outlets such as The Telegraph, The Times, The Sunday Times, The New York Times, TASS, and AFP reported on the Bengali massacre by the Pakistan Army, with The Sunday Times being the first to boldly declare it as a genocide. US Diplomat Archer Blood's telegrams condemned his government's apathy towards the mass atrocities and lack of intervention, accusing them of appeasing the West Pakistani-dominated government.
Academic research, as well as organizations dedicated to genocide prevention and accountability, have recognized the 1971 genocide. The recent statement from the International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS) calls for action by world bodies.
The demand for recognition of the 1971 genocide is an ongoing struggle, considering the geopolitical complexities and foreign policy considerations involved. The Government of Bangladesh acknowledges and appreciates the voice of civil society groups and the diaspora in raising the issue internationally.
Efforts are being made to garner support for recognition, such as the bipartisan resolution tabled in the US House of Representatives and the visit of a European delegation to Bangladesh to understand the genocide's realities and explore avenues for raising the issue in European parliaments.
The diaspora organizations demand a UN resolution recognizing the 1971 genocide without delay. They emphasize the need for condemnation of the atrocities, justice for the victims, an unconditional apology from the Pakistani authorities, and proper compensation. Recognition of the genocide is seen as crucial in achieving the universal goal of "Never again" and preventing future genocides while holding perpetrators accountable.
The organizations believe that only through sincere acknowledgment of the past can a shared humanity be realized and a safer, peaceful world be achieved. They call upon the United Nations General Assembly and other international entities to formally recognize the Bangladesh genocide of 1971, shedding light on one of the darkest yet overlooked chapters in human history.
In addition to the mentioned organizations, other NGOs without consultative status share the views expressed in this statement.
