In 1971, progressive writers, journalists and human rights workers of West Pakistan who took to the streets to protest atrocities in East Pakistan, faced oppression.
They were ostracized and labelled traitors. Vice president of National Awami Party, Nasim Akhter Malik, says that Pakistan has to accept the responsibility of the genocide and apologise.
President of the anti-collaborators platform, Shahriar Kabir, said: “It’s shocking that it took 30-35 years to for them to realise this.”
In a documentary called Voice of conscience, Pakistani writers, journalists and activists have demanded an apology.
Nasim Akhter Malik says: “When Bangladesh became independent, I along with other progressive people went to the prison and gave the Joy Bangla slogan.”
Labour leader, Amatun saw savage scenes on Dhaka streets on the morning of 26 March and was devastated.
All progressive activists in Pakistan say that the genocide cannot be forgotten. Former general secretary of Lahore based NAP, Zafar Malik, says: “Everyone denounced us as Indian agents.”
When we said that Sheikh Mujinur Rahman should be given the right to take oath as prime minister, we were called traitors.