Genocide Day observed

The ‘Genocide Day’ was observed across the country today in remembrance of the brutality carried out by Pakistani Army on the unarmed Bangalees on the black night of March 25 in 1971 under the infamous “Operation Searchlight”.

The government took elaborate programmes in observance of the day at national level. Different political, social and cultural organisations also took separate programmes to observe the day with due respect.

President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages on the eve of the Genocide Day, paying rich tributes to the martyrs of the 1971 genocide, BSS reports.

A discussion was held on the ‘Gonohotya Dibos’ (Day of Genocide)”at 10:00 am at Liberation War Museum marking the day. Cultural programmes, including ‘Geeti Natya’ (musical drama) based on Liberation War were organised across the country.

Discussions were held at all the educational institutions, including madrasahs, where heroic freedom fighters and noted personalities recalled their memories.

Rare photos and documentaries on mass killing were exhibited on the premises of all the city corporations, including Dhaka.

National dailies published special supplements and television channels aired special programmes highlighting the significance of the day.

Special munazats were offered at all the mosques and other religious institutions, seeking eternal peace for martyrs who were killed on March 25, 1971.

A special doa and munazat was offered at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque after Juma prayers on the occasion of the day.

Discussions were also arranged at district and upazila levels marking the day.

All Bangladesh missions abroad also observed the day paying rich tributes to the martyrs of the March 25, 1971.

On the black night of March 25, 1971, the Pakistani military junta carried out massacre in Dhaka as part of their blueprint to thwart the Awami League’s assumption of office following the victory in the elections held in 1970.

In the attack dubbed ‘Operation Searchlight’, the Pakistani forces mercilessly killed the Bangalee members of the East Pakistan Rifles and police, students, teachers and common people.

They killed people indiscriminately, set houses and properties on fire, and looted business establishments, leaving a trail of destruction.