Diplomatic Desk:
The Algerian Embassy in Bangladesh observed Algeria’s National Remembrance Day in Dhaka on Friday (May 8) with due dignity. The theme of the event, organized to mark the 81st anniversary of the 1945 Setif, Gelma and Kheratta massacres, was “A People Sacrificed… and Triumphed”.
The event was packed with a large crowd. The venue was filled well before the scheduled time with guests from different walks of life, reflecting the importance and significance of the day.
The event began at 11 am with the singing of the Algerian national anthem and the hoisting of the national flag. After that, a minute’s silence was observed in memory of the martyrs of May 8, 1945. Later, a maulana recited the Holy Quran.
The keynote address was delivered by Algerian Ambassador to Bangladesh Abdelwahab Saidani. He began his speech by greeting the guests in French and Bengali. In his speech, he recalled the historical events of May 8, 1945, when the colonial forces brutally repressed the Algerian people who were peacefully marching for freedom and justice.
The ambassador said that Boujid Sal was shot dead for refusing to lower the Algerian flag and that terrible violence spread from Setif to Gelma and Kheratta. About 45,000 people were killed in it. He noted that this massacre turned the tide of Algeria’s independence struggle and later paved the way for the formation of the National Liberation Front (FLN). After a long struggle, Algeria achieved independence on July 5, 1962.
Ambassador Saidani highlighted the historical similarities between the Algerian independence struggle and the 1971 Liberation War of Bangladesh and reiterated the brotherly relations between the peoples of the two countries.
A documentary on the events of May 8, 1945 was screened at the event. In addition, a representative of Bangladesh Scouts spoke on the history of the genocide. At the end of the event, a poem was recited in memory of the martyrs, which moved the guests present.
The atmosphere throughout the event was one of deep grief, respect and solidarity. Guests from different backgrounds sat together and remembered this painful chapter in history. Especially when the ambassador’s speech brought up the topic of Boujid Sal and the 45,000 martyrs, deep emotions were aroused among the attendees.
After the event, a lunch was organized by the Algerian Embassy. The guests exchanged views in a cordial atmosphere.
