Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday urged the nation to uphold the spirit of the Liberation War and remember the horrors of the March 25 genocide, calling for united efforts to build a just, democratic and prosperous Bangladesh.

In a message marking Genocide Day, he described March 25, 1971 as one of the darkest and most brutal days in the history of freedom-loving Bangladesh. He also stressed the need to pass on the history and true meaning of independence to future generations.

“Let us all strive to honour the sacrifices of the martyrs by upholding the spirit of the great Liberation War — equality, human dignity and social justice — in our state and society. Let us work together to build a just, developed, prosperous, self-reliant and democratic Bangladesh,” the Prime Minister said.

He said on that night, Pakistani occupation forces carried out one of the most heinous genocides under ‘Operation Searchlight’, targeting unarmed people across the country.

The Prime Minister recalled that the occupation forces indiscriminately opened fire on teachers, intellectuals and innocent civilians at various places, including Dhaka University, Pilkhana and Rajarbagh Police Lines, killing many people.

“The genocide of 25 March was a pre-planned massacre. 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,” he said.

However, on the night of 25 March, Tarique said the 8th East Bengal Regiment in Chattogram formally initiated armed resistance against the genocide by declaring ‘We Revolt’. “Through this resistance to genocide, the long nine-month armed Liberation War began.”

He prayed for the salvation and eternal peace of the departed souls of the martyrs and wished success to all programmes organised to observe Genocide Day.