Genocide Day is being observed in Bangladesh, commemorating the attacks carried out by the Pakistani occupation forces—on unarmed Bangalis—on the night of March 25, 1971.
The nation is officially observing the day on Monday, for the third year, as Parliament unanimously adopted a resolution on March 11, 2017 to observe March 25 as Genocide Day.
Different political parties, government and non-government bodies, plus socio-cultural organizations have planned elaborate programs to mark the day with due reverence.
A minute-long blackout will also be observed at 9pm.
Also Read- One-minute blackout Monday night to mark Genocide Day
Meanwhile, President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have issued separate messages on the occasion.
On the night of March 25, 1971, the Pakistani military junta resorted to mass killings, in Dhaka, to implement their blueprint to thwart the Awami League's assumption of office following the election mandate of 1970.
Also Read- Genocide Day: Hundreds of mass graves lie unmarked or have been constructed over
In the attack—dubbed Operation Searchlight—the Pakistani forces mercilessly killed: the Bangali members of the East Pakistan Rifles, police, students, teachers, and members of the public.
They killed people indiscriminately, set fire to houses and property, and looted businesses; leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.
