Today, the nation will solemnly observe Genocide Day, marking one of the most atrocious acts in human history. It commemorates the heinous pogroms unleashed by the Pakistani army on unarmed Bangalees on 25 March 1971. These cowardly attacks aimed to silence a nation poised to sacrifice everything to break free from the shackles of oppression and inequality.

It was the darkest night that revealed to the world the true intentions of the West Pakistan establishment in addressing the legitimate demands of Bangalees. Through the infamous “Operation Searchlight”, they showed their ruthless resolve. This event forced the people of this country to recognise that they had no choice but to declare independence and defend it by taking up arms.

Genocide Day is set to be officially observed for the eighth time in the country. This follows the unanimous adoption of a resolution by the parliament on 11 March 2017 to declare 25 March as Genocide Day (Gonohotya Dibas).

The “black night” of 25 March was a part of the Pakistani military junta’s plan for implementing the blueprint to thwart Bangalees’ assumption of office following the Awami League’s election mandate of 1970.

During the operation, 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 fire to houses and property and looted business establishments, leaving a trail of destruction.

The government, political parties, and different socio-cultural organisations have chalked out various programmes to recall the martyrs who sacrificed their lives at the dawn of independence on this day.
The Ministry of Liberation War Affairs has taken various programmes to observe Genocide Day at the state level with due respect.

As part of the programmes, a one-minute symbolic “blackout” will be observed from 11pm to 11:01pm on 25 March throughout the country. However, the establishment of emergency services will remain out of the purview of the programme. A discussion will be held tomorrow at 10:30am at the Liberation War Museum.