Algerian embassy marks anniv of May 8 Massacre
City Desk:
The Algerian Embassy in Dhaka on Thursday marked the 80th anniversary of the May 8, 1945 massacres, paying tribute to thousands killed during French colonial repression under the theme “Day of Memory: A Remarkable Day for a Desired Era.”
The observance began with the hoisting of the Algerian national flag and a minute of silence in honour of the victims. The Algerian national anthem was also played on the embassy premises, reports BSS.
Addressing the ceremony, Algerian Ambassador to Bangladesh Abdelouahab SAIDANI said the day stands as a solemn reminder of the tragic events that unfolded in the towns of S,tif, Guelma, and Kherrata, where peaceful demonstrations demanding independence were met with unprecedented violence by colonial authorities.
“May 8, 1945, is a symbol of both tragedy and hope,” he said, adding “It was on this day that Algerians who had fought valiantly alongside French forces in both World W -ars, expecting greater rights and autonomy in return, came out to the streets to peacefully demand their freedom. Their hopes were shattered by indiscriminate violence.”
The ambassador recalled how the peaceful rallies turned into scenes of horror when French forces opened fire on demonstrators, resulting in widespread massacres.
One of the first victims, he noted, was a 17-year-old scout named Bouzid Chaal, who was shot while carrying the Algerian flag during a peaceful rally-an act that triggered a wave of violent repression across the region.
In the days that followed, more than 45,000 Algerians were killed, entire villages were razed, crops and livestock destroyed, and civilians targeted with military aircraft and naval bombardments in a campaign of collective punishment.
“These were not merely acts of suppression; they were systematic massacres intended to crush the Algerian spirit and discourage demands for independence,” said Ambassador Saidani.
He pointed out that the atrocities of May 8 served as a political awakening for the Algerian nationalist movement, proving that peaceful methods would not suffice.
This realization led to the formation of l’Organisation Sp,ciale (OS) in 1947 by Mohamed Belouizdad and others, paving the way for the armed struggle that ultimately resulted in Algeria’s independence in 1962.
Since then, the ambassador said, Algeria has made remarkable strides in nation-building – investing in education, infrastructure, and economic diversification while the country has also maintained financial independence and emerged as a respected global voice.
“Today, Algeria proudly serves as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council (2024-2025) and continues to advocate for peace and stability, particularly in the Sahel region,” said the envoy.
He concluded by expressing deep gratitude for the friendship between Algeria and Bangladesh, and called on both nations to continue strengthening bilateral ties.
“Glory and eternity to our righteous martyrs. Long live Algeria, long live Bangladesh, and long live the brotherhood between our two nations,” he said.