Believing in the spirit of the Liberation War, the expatriates of New York have taken an oath to resist the interim government of Bangladesh, which has illegally seized power, at any cost. They made this pledge on Sunday morning (November 25) at an event titled “Immortal 71.” The event was attended by freedom fighters, artists, writers, journalists, and expatriate Bangladeshis from various professions along with their family members. Speakers at the event compared Dr. Yunus to Yahya Khan, calling him a fraud and a liar.
The event, a discussion and cultural program titled Immortal 71, was organized by an organization named Ekattorer Prohori at the PS-12 auditorium in Woodside, New York. The Bangladesh Institute of Performing Arts (BIPA) collaborated in the program. At the end of the event, everyone gathered in the auditorium sang the national anthem.
The oath-taking ceremony took place after the first session of the event. The oath read: We pledge to resist the current government, which is bent on destroying Bangladesh’s national consciousness.
In unison, all attendees declared, We will remove this chaotic, violent, and malevolent force at any cost. We will continue to support the process of establishing and maintaining a democratically elected government through people’s votes.
The oath-takers further declared, We pledge that all political parties, ideologies, religions, races, beliefs, and ethnic minorities will unite, and from our respective positions, we will remain steadfast in upholding the founding principles of the Bangladesh state and its very existence. We are prepared to make the highest sacrifices for the welfare of Bangladesh. In our hearts, the song ‘My Golden Bengal, I Love You’ will always echo.
Speakers at the event included freedom fighter Nurun Nabi and poet Fakir Elias. Freedom fighter Tajul Imam shared memories of the Liberation War and performed music. Lutfunahar Lata recited from “I am the Birangana.” Shah Mahbub and Dinat Jahan Munni performed songs. Additionally, group recitations, songs, and dances were presented. A documentary produced by Rowshan Ara Nipa was also shown during the event. The event was hosted by Smriti Bhadra and Sabina Niru.