The nation is set to observe Genocide Day Saturday in remembrance of the brutality carried out by the Pakistani army on the unarmed Bangalees on the night of March 25 in 1971 under the infamous Operation Searchlight.
The Ministry of Liberation War Affairs has planned various programs to observe Genocide Day at the state level with due respect.
As part of the programs, a one-minute symbolic "blackout" will be observed from 10.30pm to 10.31pm throughout the country, said a press release.
However, key point installations and essential establishments will remain out of the purview of the program.
On the occasion, President Md Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will issue separate messages highlighting the importance of the day.
Newspapers will also publish special supplements on the genocide committed by the Pakistani occupation forces on March 25, 1971.
The Ministry of Liberation War Affairs will organize cultural programs, including Geeti Natya (musical drama) based on genocide and Liberation War across the country.
Besides, discussions will be held at all educational institutions, including madrasas, where heroic freedom fighters and noted personalities will share their memories with the students.
A discussion meeting will be held at the Liberation War Museum at 9.30am.
Rare photos and documentaries on the mass killing will be exhibited on the premises of all city corporations.
Special prayers will be offered at mosques after Zohr prayers and other places of worship will hold separate programs seeking eternal peace for the martyrs killed on March 25, 1971.
Similar programs will be organized at the district and upazila levels and Bangladesh missions abroad.
Parliament on March 11, 2017 unanimously adopted a resolution to observe March 25 as "Gonohotya Dibos" (Genocide Day).
Subsequently, the Cabinet Division at a meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the chair unanimously endorsed the decision on March 20 in 2017.
