The nation will observe Genocide Day today in solemn remembrance of the brutal crackdown by the Pakistani occupation forces on unarmed Bengalis on the fateful night of 25 March 1971, during the infamous "Operation Searchlight."
President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman issued special messages on the every of the day.
In his message, the prime minister said 25 March 1971 remains one of the most disgraceful and brutal days in the history of freedom-loving Bangladesh.
The government has planned various programmes at the state level to mark the day with due respect.
Discussion and memorial programmes will be held at educational institutions with participation from eminent personalities and valiant freedom fighters, highlighting the genocide and the Great Liberation War.
Documentary screenings and rare photographic exhibitions on the genocide will be arranged at selected locations in all city corporation areas, including Dhaka, starting from 12 noon.
Special prayers will be offered at mosques after Zuhr prayers or at convenient times, while prayers will also be held at other places of worship across the country in memory of the massacre victims. Illumination will be avoided at night.
A seminar will also be held at 10am under the initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Liberation War Museum.
The information was disclosed at an inter-ministerial meeting on the implementation of national programmes marking Genocide Day 2026 and Independence and National Day 2026, according to a press release.
On that dark night, the Pakistan occupation forces carried out one of the most heinous genocides in history against the unarmed people of Bangladesh in the name of "Operation Searchlight", he said.
They indiscriminately opened fire on teachers, intellectuals and innocent civilians at various places, including Dhaka University, Pilkhana and Rajarbagh Police Lines, killing many people, Tarique added.
The genocide of 25 March was a pre-planned massacre, said the prime minister, adding, "Why this organised killing spree could not be resisted remains a matter of historical research regarding the visible role of the political leadership of that time."
However, on the night of 25 March, the 8th East Bengal Regiment in Chattogram formally initiated armed resistance against the genocide by declaring "We Revolt," he said.
Through this resistance to genocide, the long nine-month armed Liberation War began, Tarique added.
To convey the value and significance of independence to the present and future generations, it is essential to know about the genocide of 25 March as well, the prime minister said.
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