MM Rahmatullah: The Embassy of Algeria in Dhaka on Saturday commemorated the 65th anniversary of the October 17, 1961 Paris massacre, paying tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for freedom, dignity and independence from French colonial rule.

The commemoration highlighted the historical significance of the massacre, the resilience of the Algerian people and the enduring bonds of solidarity between Algeria and Bangladesh, two nations with shared experiences of struggles for independence and human dignity.

Ambassador of Algeria to Bangladesh Dr Abdelouahab SAIDANI delivered the speech at the event, attended by distinguished academics, journalists, embassy officials, students and other guests. Abidah Sultana Kona moderated the programme.

Among the distinguished guests were Professor Dr Mizanur Rahman, Chairman of the Department of Arabic at the University of Dhaka; Professor Dr Abdul Kader, former Chairman of the same department; and Professor Dr Ruhul Amin. Senior embassy officials Salah Uddin, Ms Zerin, Debjani Roy and Shadeet Noor, along with journalists representing various media outlets, also attended the commemoration.

In his address, Ambassador SAIDANI recalled the tragic events of October 17, 1961, when French police violently suppressed peaceful Algerian demonstrators protesting against a discriminatory curfew imposed exclusively on Algerians in Paris.

He said the French authorities sought to weaken the National Liberation Front (FLN), which played a central role in Algeria`s independence movement and relied partly on financial support from Algerian workers living in France.

The police crackdown resulted in thousands of injuries and numerous deaths. Some demonstrators were tortured, while others were drowned in the River Seine, leaving a painful mark on Algeria`s collective memory.

Despite the brutal repression, the Algerian diaspora remained committed to its homeland and continued to support the country`s struggle for independence, the ambassador said.

He noted that the massacre provoked widespread international condemnation of French colonial rule and strengthened global support for the right of peoples to self-determination.

The resulting international pressure contributed to the political momentum that led to the Evian Accords and Algeria`s independence on July 5, 1962, marking the end of French colonial rule.

The ambassador also discussed the long struggle for historical recognition and justice following the massacre. He said sustained efforts by activists; historians and human rights organisations had helped bring previously classified historical records into the public domain and press France to acknowledge the tragedy as an "unforgivable crime".

The massacre remains a defining moment in Algeria`s national consciousness, symbolising the sacrifices, resilience and dignity of its people, he added.

Ambassador SAIDANI also underscored the continuing contribution of the Algerian diaspora to national development. While Algerians living abroad had historically supported the independence movement, their knowledge, expertise and professional experience now play an increasingly important role in advancing the country`s development.

In this regard, he referred to the establishment of the High Council of the National Scientific Community Abroad, a presidential advisory body intended to channel the expertise of Algerian professionals and researchers overseas into national progress.

This year`s commemoration carried the slogan, "From Deep Memory to Future Horizons", reflecting Algeria`s determination to preserve its historical memory while building a future founded on justice, dignity and human rights.

The ambassador further drew parallels between the historical experiences of Algeria and Bangladesh, saying their shared struggles against colonialism and oppression had created a lasting bond of friendship and mutual respect between the two countries.

He described the commemoration as an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by both peoples in pursuit of freedom and human dignity and expressed hope that the legacy of their heroes would continue to inspire future generations.

Algeria formally observes October 17 as National Emigration Day. In 2021, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune established the tradition of observing a nationwide and international minute of silence, including at Algerian diplomatic missions abroad, to honour the victims of the 1961 massacre.

Concluding his speech, Ambassador SAIDANI expressed gratitude to the distinguished guests, journalists, members of the Algerian community and embassy staff for their participation in the commemoration. He praised journalists for their commitment to truth and paid tribute to those who had worked to organise the event.

He ended with a solemn tribute to the fallen, declaring, "Glory and eternity to our righteous martyrs."

The programme brought together diplomats, academics, media professionals and students to remember a painful chapter in history and reaffirm the universal values of freedom, justice, peace and human dignity.