The Embassy of Algeria in Dhaka commemorated the 80th anniversary of the May 8, 1945 massacres with a solemn and dignified event held under the theme: “Day of Memory – A Remarkable Day for a Desired Era.” The ceremony was attended by diplomats, journalists, members of the Algerian community in Bangladesh, and other distinguished guests.
In his keynote address, the Ambassador of Algeria recalled the significance of May 8, 1945—a pivotal day in Algerian history marked by both tragedy and the spark of national awakening. He stated, “Today, we gather to honor the memory of a day that laid the foundation for our independence. While the Western world celebrated victory over Nazi Germany, Algerians were met with unimaginable brutality as they peacefully demanded their legitimate right to freedom.”
He highlighted that thousands of Algerians, who had valiantly served in the French army during World Wars I and II, expected their sacrifices to be rewarded with greater autonomy. Instead, on May 8, 1945, peaceful demonstrations in Sétif, Guelma, and Kherrata were brutally suppressed by French colonial forces.
The Ambassador recounted the poignant story of 17-year-old scout Bouzid Chaal, who was shot dead while holding the Algerian flag during a peaceful march. His death triggered a wave of violence, and what followed was a coordinated massacre. In a matter of days, over 45,000 Algerians were killed, villages were destroyed, farmland was scorched, and animals were slaughtered as collective punishment.
“These atrocities marked a turning point in our national consciousness,” the Ambassador said. “They demonstrated that diplomatic efforts alone would not achieve our independence. In response, young nationalists formed the Organization Spéciale (OS) in 1947, laying the groundwork for the armed struggle that would eventually lead to our liberation.”
Since gaining independence, Algeria has made remarkable strides in education, infrastructure, housing, and economic development. The Ambassador proudly stated that Algeria remains financially independent and is one of the few debt-free nations in the world. On the global stage, Algeria now holds a respected voice, serving as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (2024–2025) and actively contributing to peace and security, particularly in the Sahel region.
He concluded his speech with a heartfelt tribute:
“May the legacy of May 8 always remind us of the cost of freedom and the resilience of our people. Let us build an Algeria that honors its past while striving for a just and unified future.”
The event concluded with a moment of silence in memory of the martyrs, followed by the declaration:
“Glory and eternity to our righteous Martyrs.
