Pakistanis 'trapped' in Dhaka carry out 'victory march' after 51 yrs

These community members are known in Bangladesh as Biharis.

This is the first time they celebrated Victory Day.

Their procession started on Sunday at around 3 pm in the capital Dhaka's Mirpur. The victory procession went around Mirpur No. 11, Mirpur No. 10, Mirpur No. 13, Kalshi area and ended in front of Big Mosque No. 11.

The new generation of Bihari teenagers and young people who joined the procession said, "We are citizens of Bangladesh. We are Bangladeshis, this is our identity. We are still treated as trapped Pakistanis. We must be ashamed of what our predecessors have done, or of this untoward incident. We want the respect we deserve now."

"Welfare Mission of Biharij Bangladesh" President Mostak Ahmed told UNI, "Bangladesh has become independent from East Pakistan. Earlier it was East Pakistan, we were born there, and after independence we are citizens of Bangladesh. We want to prove that we are Bangladeshis."

He said, "Since 2008, we have received national identity cards. Many misinform us and call us Pakistanis. That is why our rehabilitation is not happening."

In response to the question why the victory march in Bangladesh after so long, this Bihari leader said, "We have not yet become so financially prosperous. Due to which it was not possible for us to do any big program. After talking to many people, I was able to convince many people and finally I was able to organize a victory procession on the victory day of Bangladesh. We have spoken to every person in the camp and we are holding the victory march as per the decision made by talking to them."

Pointing out that 10 lakh Rohingya have been sheltered in Bangladesh, Mostak Ahmed said, "Four lakh Biharis, who are now Bangladeshis, are not being accommodated." In 2014, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina asked the Ministry of Works to arrange our housing. That matter is still pending.

Many people, who participated in the victory march, said, "On this day of victory, we pledge that we will start the movement again for our rehabilitation. We are Bangladeshis, we will be resettled—which the government has already announced, but is stuck in bureaucracy. There is unrest in the camp due to various reasons. We hope the government will show us the respect we deserve. We were with Awami League before, we are still, we will be in the future."