Washington: Congressman Greg Landsman introduced a resolution in the US House of Representatives seeking formal American recognition of the 1971 Bangladesh genocide, while calling for accountability for those responsible.
The resolution urges that the atrocities committed during the 1971 conflict—particularly by the Pakistani military during Operation Searchlight—be officially recognized as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. It also calls for action against collaborators, including the Islamist group Jamaat-e-Islami.
Introducing the measure, Congressman Landsman said the events of March 25, 1971, marked the beginning of a “systematic campaign of terror” that meets the United Nations’ definition of genocide. He emphasised that formal US recognition is “long overdue,” particularly highlighting the targeted violence against Bengali Hindus.
The resolution further calls on the US President to formally acknowledge the atrocities and underscores the need to protect religious minorities in present-day Bangladesh.
Bangladesh PM recalls 1971 horrorBangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman termed March 25, 1971, as one of the most disgraceful and brutal days as he recounted the horror of how Pakistani forces killed Bangladeshis in the name of ‘Operation Searchlight. Extending his deepest respect and condolences, Rahman called for people to honor the sacrifices made by those who died. He also called for citizens to build a just, developed, prosperous, self-reliant, and democratic Bangladesh. |
