The nation is observing Genocide Day recalling the brutalities of the Pakistan army during Operation Searchlight, launched on the night of March 25 in 1971 as a last resort to try and suppress the will of the people of what would become, in less than nine months, an independent Bangladesh.
On the night of March 25 in 1971, the Pakistani military junta resorted to mass killings and arson in Dhaka to implement their blueprint to thwart Awami League assuming office following its victory in the 1970 election.
In the attack dubbed Operation Searchlight, the Pakistani forces mercilessly killed Bangalee members of the East Pakistan Rifles and police, students, and teachers among others.
They killed people indiscriminately, set houses on fire and looted business establishments, leaving a trail of destruction.
The night also witnessed Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s proclamation of independence before he was arrested by the Pakistani troops and subsequently flown to West Pakistan.
The day is being observed as Genocide Day officially for the seventh time in the country since the parliament unanimously adopted a resolution on March 11, 2017.
President Md Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages on this occasion.
Political parties have taken up programmes in observance of the day. Cultural organisations have arranged seminars, programmes and performances on genocide.
Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television as well as private TV channels and radio stations are airing special programmes while national dailies have published supplements marking the day. Meanwhile, religious establishments will hold special prayers for the martyrs.
One-minute symbolic 'blackout'
The nation will observe a one-minute symbolic 'blackout' from 10:30pm to 10:31pm marking the Genocide Day.
However, the key point installations and the essential establishments will remain out of the purview of the programme.
