A poignant event organised by the British Bengali diaspora in London featured a special screening of the documentary 'Bay of Blood,' directed by Indian filmmaker Krishnendu Bose.
The film meticulously documents the history of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, showcasing the untold suffering and resilience of millions of people during the nine-month period from March to December 1971.
The screening, hosted by the Bengal Heritage Foundation, took place last week in anticipation of the 52nd anniversary of "Bijoy Dibosh," also known as Victory Day, celebrated on December 16.
Indian High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, praised the film's portrayal of the enduring power of an idea, stating, "The spirit of the Bangladeshi people comes through in the film. It was the people, who stood up, and once the people are ready to die, then there is no amount of force that you can use to steer them off. As an Indian whose father served in the war in 1971, I couldn’t be prouder of my father today."
Bangladeshi High Commissioner to the UK, Saida Muna Tasneem, acknowledged the UK Parliament's supportive role during the conflict with Pakistan, stating, "A motion was passed here in the UK Parliament at the time. Today, we are making an effort to make our genocide better known, and we welcome the UK’s support once again."
The Bengal Heritage Foundation, registered with the UK’s Charity Commission, emphasized the event's mission to showcase the enduring bonds of kinship between India and Bangladesh. Suranjan Som, the foundation's president, remarked, "This screening stands as a testament to our mission of fostering cultural understanding. It is a powerful reminder that shared history can unite communities and build bridges of understanding."
Sourav Niyogi, a trustee of the foundation, added, "This screening not only reflects our commitment to preserving historical narratives but also emphasizes the importance of collective remembrance. It’s heartening to witness the unity that stems from acknowledging our shared history."
The foundation committed to preserving and promoting the heritage of Bengal, aims to highlight the shared history, language, and traditions that bind the Bangla-speaking communities in India and Bangladesh.
