Genocide Day to be observed across country

The Genocide Day will be observed in many districts including Rangpur and Mymensingh today to pay rich tribute to the martyred unarmed Bangalees on dark night on March 25, 1971.

Mymensingh district administration has planned elaborate programmes to observe Genocide Day with due respect.

Necessary preparations have already been completed in this regard, sources said.

Various programmes have been chalked out in remembrance of the brutality carried out by the Pakistani Army on the unarmed Bangalees on the black night of March 25 in 1971 under the infamous "Operation Searchlight", the sources added.

The programmes include a discussion based on genocide will be held at District Shilpakala Academy at 11 am on March 25, rare photos and documentaries on mass killings will be exhibited at the City Corporation Mini Pole at 12 am, special prayer will be offered at different mosques and other worships seeking eternal peace for martyrs who were killed on March 25, 1971, cultural programmes including 'Geeti Natya' (musical drama) based on genocide and Liberation War will be held at the Shilpakala Academy.

Besides, as part of the central programmes one-minute symbolic 'blackout' will be held at 10:30pm on March 25.

Different political, social and cultural organisations will organise separate programmes at all upazila levels to observe the day with due respect.

Rangpur district administration, Awami League and its associate bodies, Ghatok Dalal Nirmul Committee (GDNC), Sector Commanders' Forum (SCF), and different sociocultural and other organisations have chalked out programmes marking the day.

The programmes include placing wreaths at different mass graves, monuments of martyred freedom fighters, protest processions, human chains and memorial discussions to pay rich tribute to the martyred sons and daughters of the soil in 1971.

The memorial discussions will be held at the 'Baddyabhumi' ground on Town Hall premises, 'Shaheed Muktijoddha Smritistambha' and Central Shaheed Minar with the participation of heroic freedom fighters, politicians and noted personalities.

The Divisional Information Office will screen rare photographs and documentary films on the genocide in cinema halls and open places in the city.

Special prayers will be arranged tomorrow at mosques, temples, pagodas and churches and other places of worship seeking divine blessings and eternal peace for departed souls of the martyred Bangalees on March 25, 1971.

At noon, officials, and leaders of socio-cultural and professional organisations will participate in the candle-lit programme at the 'Baddhyabhumi' ground, 'Shaheed Muktijoddha Smritistambha' and Central Shaheed Minar premises in the city.

Different cultural organisations will stage dramas and arrange cultural programmes on the genocide committed by the Pakistani occupation army and War of Liberation followed by a discussion at the Town Hall premises in the evening.