‘Genocide Day’ is being observed in the country on Monday, to commemorate brutalities of the Pakistan army during Operation Searchlight, launched on the night of March 25 in 1971, as a last resort to try and suppress the will of the people of what would become, in less than nine months, an independent Bangladesh.

On the Black Night of March 25 in 1971, the Pakistani military junta resorted to mass killings and arson in Dhaka to implement their blueprint to thwart the Awami League's assumption of office following the election mandate of 1970.

In the attack dubbed 'Operation Searchlight', the Pakistani forces mercilessly killed the Bangalee members of the East Pakistan Rifles and police, students, teachers and common people.

They killed people indiscriminately, set fire to the houses and property and looted business establishments, leaving a trail of destruction.

The night also witnessed Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s proclamation of independence before he was arrested by the Pakistani troops and subsequently flown to West Pakistan.

The day is being observed as Genocide Day officially for the eighth time in the country since the Parliament unanimously adopted a resolution on March 11, 2017.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages on this occasion.

Political parties including the ruling one have taken up programmes in observance of the day.

Different cultural organizations are holding seminars, cultural programmes lyrical drama on genocide.

Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television as well as private television channels and radio stations are airing special programmes while national dailies published supplements marking the day.

Meanwhile different religious organizations arranged special prayers and doa mehfil seeking peace for the eternal souls of the deceased.