44 years of independence for Bangladesh amid destroyed "dreams of religious tolerance"
Dhaka (AsiaNews) - Today Bangladesh is celebrating the 44th anniversary of its independence, enshrined in the victory over Pakistani occupation forces in 1971. Thousands of people have paid tribute to the heroes of the war and recalled their sacrifice in the name of creation of an independent and non-sectarian state.
Ando D'Costa, secretary general of the Christian Freedom Fighters and Family Welfare Somity, told AsiaNews: "In 1971 we fought for a nonsectarian country. But unfortunately we have to admit that today, the Christian minority is often the victim of Islamic radicals. The fundamentalists do not tolerate us and other religious minorities. We were one of the architects of victory in 1971 and dreamed of a country in peace and harmony. However some people are destroying our dreams".
The celebrations of the Victory Day began at 6:30 this morning. President Md Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina laid a wreath at the memorial erected in honor of the martyrs of the nation in Dhaka. Then, 31 cannon shots were fired and a national parade was held. A military honor guard played odes for the fallen.
Across the country special prayer services were held in mosques, churches, Buddhist temples, pagodas and churches. The faithful prayed for peace, progress and prosperity of Bangladesh.
The war of liberation from Pakistan started in March 1971 and in nine months resulted in about 3 thousand victims, with an estimated 200 thousand women and girls abused. The Christian community was at the forefront in the fighting, with more than 1100 "freedom fighters" engaged in defending their country. Several worshipers, priests and missionaries were killed in the clashes.
But today "our dreams of tolerance are being destroyed," said D'Costa. "We want the government to recognize all the freedom fighters and give them the proper respect."
.png)
