Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said March 25, 1971 remains one of the most disgraceful and brutal days in the history of freedom-loving Bangladesh.
“March 25, 1971 is observed as Genocide Day. On the occasion of Genocide Day, I pay my deepest respect to all the martyrs,” he said in a message issued today.
The prime minister said that on the night of March 25, Pakistani occupation forces carried out one of the most heinous genocides in history against unarmed people of Bangladesh under ‘Operation Searchlight’.
He said the forces indiscriminately opened fire on teachers, intellectuals and innocent civilians at various places, including Dhaka University, Pilkhana and Rajarbagh Police Lines, killing many.
Describing the genocide as a pre-planned massacre, he said questions remain regarding why the organised killing spree could not be resisted at the time, which continues to be a matter of historical research.
However, he noted that the 8th East Bengal Regiment in Chattogram initiated armed resistance on that very night by declaring “We Revolt”.
Through this resistance, the nine-month Liberation War began, he added.
The prime minister said it is essential for present and future generations to understand the significance of independence by learning about the March 25 genocide.
He urged all to honour the sacrifices of the martyrs by upholding the spirit of the Liberation War — equality, human dignity and social justice.
“Let us work together to build a just, developed, prosperous, self-reliant and democratic Bangladesh,” he said.
He also prayed for eternal peace of the departed souls of the martyrs and wished success to all programmes marking Genocide Day.