Genocide Day observed nationwide

The country observed Genocide Day on Saturday for the first time to commemorate the brutality carried out by the Pakistani Army in the “Black Night” of March 25, 1971. Marking the day, discussions and rallies were held while special prayers were offered for the victims across the country, where people regardless of ages and social strata attended. Moreover, processions were brought out with people placing floral wreaths at the killing fields on the occasion. Our Jessore correspondent reported that Kazi Nabil Ahmed, lawmaker from Jessore 3 constituency, while addressing a programme, said Bangabandhu had anticipated that Bangladeshis would not be with Pakistanis. West Pakistan authorities did not hand over power to Bangabandhu despite winning the first general election in 1970, he added. “Rather, they [West Pakistani authorities] gathered forces in East Pakistan to launch an atrocity on Bangalis in the night of March 25,” he said. Such programmes were held in Bhola, Dinajpur, Manikganj, Bagerhat, Joypurhat, Chandpur and Madaripur, our correspondents confirmed.