Monday, March 25, marks National Genocide Day, as the nation solemnly remembers the darkest chapter in its history—the heinous atrocities committed by Pakistani forces in 1971.
This day is dedicated to honouring the memory of the countless lives lost and the resilience of the Bangladeshi people in their struggle for independence.
Fifty-three years ago, on this very date, Pakistani forces launched a brutal genocide, codenamed “Operation Searchlight,” on unarmed Bengalis in Dhaka, then the capital of East Pakistan. The attack, aimed at quelling Bengali voices of dissent following the 1970 election mandate, resulted in widespread devastation and loss of life.
Since the proposal was accepted by the National Parliament on March 11, 2017, March 25 has been observed annually as National Genocide Day, a day of remembrance and reflection for Bangladeshis.
At the stroke of midnight in 1971, armed Pakistani forces descended upon Dhaka, unleashing a reign of terror that claimed the lives of thousands of innocent civilians, including members of the East Pakistan Rifles, students, teachers, and common citizens.
A one-minute blackout will be observed nationwide, from 11pm to 11:01pm, in honour of those who perished in the genocide.
The Pakistani military's ruthless campaign extended beyond Dhaka, engulfing East Pakistan in a wave of violence and destruction. The magnitude of the atrocities is underscored by historical accounts, including estimates of over 100,000 lives lost during the period leading up to March 25, 1971.
About the night of March 25, 1971, American journalist Robert Payne wrote: “That night, at least 7,000 people were killed and 3,000 others arrested. The incident in Dhaka had just begun. All over East Pakistan, soldiers continued to rack up the death toll. Houses and shops started burning. Looting and destruction have become their addictions. Dead bodies lying on the streets became food for crows and foxes. All of Bangladesh became a cremation ground.”
Pakistani forces attacked Pilkhana, Rajarbagh, and Nilkhet at midnight. The invading forces occupied the Dhaka University area, including Nilkhet, with tanks and mortars. Female students of Rokeya Hall were not spared from the attacks, and nine teachers of different departments of Dhaka University were brutally killed.
The most heinous acts of brutality took place at Jagannath Hall of DU, where killing reportedly went on till the morning.
At the beginning of the army operation, the Pakistani forces arrested Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman from his residence in Dhanmondi. Before his arrest, Bangabandhu declared the independence of Bangladesh and called for resistance against the enemy at any cost.
Responding to the call, Bengalis jumped into the war against the Pakistani invaders and achieved complete victory on December 16, 1971, after nine long months of struggle.
As part of Monday’s commemorations, a series of events will be held across Bangladesh. These include discussion meetings, cultural programs featuring genocide and liberation war-related ballads, and exhibitions showcasing rare photographs and documentaries.
Special prayers will be offered in mosques and places of worship, seeking solace and forgiveness for the souls of those who lost their lives in the tragic events of March 25, 1971.
On this solemn occasion, both the president and prime minister will issue special messages, reaffirming the nation's commitment to honouring the memory of the genocide victims and upholding the principles of peace and justice. A discussion will be held at the Liberation War Museum at 10:30am.