Tribute paid to Archer Blood

(From left) Professor Anisuzzaman, US Ambassador Harry K Thomas and Mohiuddin Ahmed of UPL observe a one-minute silence in memory of Archer K Blood and martyred freedom fighters. PHOTO: STAR

Speaking on the occasion, US Ambassador Harry K Thomas said Bangladeshis proved their courage and commitment to their ideals through the Liberation War which was a crucible.

"Standing up for what you believe in sometimes exacts a terrible price… We all have a debt to pay to the Liberation War and the many casualties of that time," he said at the meeting.

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Archer Blood had been in Dhaka as US consul general in 1971. He sent messages to the US State Department about the genocide of innocent Bangalees by Pakistani army and criticised the policy of then US President Richard Nixon.

In his historic message sent to the State Department on April 6, 1971, Blood said, "Our government has failed to denounce the suppression of democracy. Our government has failed to take forceful measures to protect its citizens while at the same time bending over backwards to placate the West Pakistan-dominated government."

This message was also signed by 20 staffs of the US Consulate General in Dhaka, prompting the Nixon administration to transfer Blood from his position immediately. He was placed into virtual exile within the State Department.

Blood, who wrote a book titled 'Cruel Birth of Bangladesh', died on September 3 this year at the age of 68.

Professor Anisuzzaman, noted cultural personality Aly Zaker, Liberation War Museum trustee Dr Sarwar Ali and proprietor of UPL Mohiuddin Ahmed also spoke at the function.

"It saddens me that Mr Blood was punished as he was simply speaking what he felt was the truth. From Archer Blood's example we can take hope. Even at their darkest hour, the Bangalees had influential and brave friends who knew the truth and spoke out," Thomas told the meeting.

Recounting the dreadful events during the Liberation War and Blood's contribution, the US envoy said, "It is my belief that Archer Blood's legacy of love for Bangladesh and its people lives on in the current US mission in Bangladesh, and I am proud of that."

He said as a result of Archer Blood's bold action, the State Department is now more accepting of dissent and even has a dissent channel to allow employees to send messages directly to the Secretary of State.