In a poignant tribute to the enduring friendship between India and Bangladesh, the British Bengali diaspora in London organized a special screening of the documentary “Bay of Blood.” The film, directed by Indian filmmaker Krishnendu Bose, chronicles the history of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, shedding light on the untold suffering and resilience of millions over a nine-month period from March to December 1971.
Held at Leicester Square last week by the Bengal Heritage Foundation, the screening commemorated the upcoming 52nd anniversary of “Bijoy Dibosh” or Liberation of Bangladesh Day, observed on December 16.
Indian High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, lauded the film for projecting “the strong sense of the power of an idea,” emphasizing that the spirit of the Bangladeshi people came through in the documentary. Reflecting on his personal connection, Doraiswami expressed pride in his father’s service during the 1971 war.
Saida Muna Tasneem, the Bangladeshi High Commissioner to the UK, acknowledged the supportive role played by the UK Parliament during the conflict, noting a motion passed at the time. Tasneem expressed gratitude for the ongoing efforts to raise awareness about the genocide and welcomed the UK’s continued support.
The Bengal Heritage Foundation, registered with the UK’s Charity Commission, emphasized the event’s purpose of showcasing the enduring bonds between India and Bangladesh forged during the war. The foundation aims to pay tribute to the extraordinary sacrifices made by the common people of Bangladesh in defense of their heritage and identity.
Suranjan Som, president of the foundation, highlighted the screening as a testament to their mission of fostering cultural understanding. He emphasized the power of shared history to unite communities and build bridges of understanding. Sourav Niyogi, a foundation trustee, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of collective remembrance.
The foundation, committed to preserving and promoting the heritage of Bengal, seeks to highlight the shared history, language, and traditions that bind the Bangla-speaking communities in India and Bangladesh. The event underscored the significance of acknowledging and preserving historical narratives while promoting unity through shared history.
