1971 Bangladesh War commanders demand recognition of Mar 25 as 'International Genocide Day'

The Sector Commanders Forum has asked the international community to declare Mar 25 as the 'International Genocide Day' in recognition of the mass killing of unarmed Bengalis by the Pakistan Army on that night in 1971.

The platform of the Liberation War commanders has also demanded a formal apology from Pakistan for the genocide and that its military be tried for war crimes.

It launched its programmes to mark the 45th Independence Day at Suhrawardy Udyan on Friday night.

The forum's Secretary General Harun Habib said the genocide by the Pakistani forces was one of the worst after the World War II.

"So I urge international groups to declare the day as the 'International Genocide Day'," he said.

Forum Chairman KM Shafiullah said the Pakistani forces should be tried in international court for the atrocities they had committed during the war.

A cultural programme was held after lighting candles in honbour of those who dies on Mar 25, 1971.