United News of Bangladesh

The nation is solemnly observing ‘Genocide Day’ today (Tuesday), commemorating the horrific atrocities committed by the Pakistan occupation army on the night of March 25, 1971. This day stands as a grim reminder of one of the darkest chapters in Bangladesh’s history when the Pakistani military indiscriminately massacred unarmed Bangalis, including students, teachers and police personnel. Marking the occasion, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday paid tribute to the martyrs who laid down their lives, emphasising that their sacrifices paved the way for the country's hard-earned independence through a nine-month-long War of Liberation. “The ‘New Bangladesh’ will emerge as a strong, peaceful, and democratic country—this is our pledge on Genocide Day,” he said. In a message, Dr Yunus reflected on the brutality of March 25, 1971, stating, “On this night, the Pakistani invading forces carried out one of the most barbaric crackdowns in history across the country, including Dhaka. With a heavy heart, I remember all the martyrs who sacrificed their lives on that terrible night.” Genocide Day: Nation to observe one minute ‘blackout’ at 10:30 pm on March 25 night He noted that the nation continues to grieve the massacre. Recalling the tense days of March 1971, Dr Yunus mentioned that, as Bangladesh was in the throes of a mass movement, military dictator Yahya Khan secretly left Dhaka on the evening of March 25. That same night, the Pakistani forces launched ‘Operation Searchlight,’ unleashing a brutal assault on unarmed civilians. As part of the observance, a one-minute nationwide ‘Blackout’ is scheduled from 10:30 pm to 10:31 pm today. However, Key Point Installations (KPIs) and emergency establishments will remain exempt, according to a Press Information Department handout. Besides, no decorative lighting will be permitted at government, semi-government, autonomous, or private institutions tonight. Seminars on the genocide and the Liberation War are being held at the Liberation War Museum and other venues, providing a platform for in-depth discussions on the nation’s history. Rare photographs and documentaries showcasing the genocide are being exhibited in Dhaka and other city corporation areas to educate and raise awareness about this dark period. Genocide Day: Dr Yunus remembers martyrs of Pakistan's brutal crackdown Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar are airing special programmes related to the genocide and the Liberation War. Special prayers are also being held at mosques and other places of worship after Zuhr prayers or at a convenient time, remembering those who perished on the night of March 25, 1971.

Marking the Genocide Day, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday remembered all the martyrs who laid down their lives, stressing that it was through their sacrifices that the country achieved its desired independence through a nine-month long bloody War of Liberation.  The ‘New Bangladesh’ will emerge as a strong, peaceful and democratic country, he said, adding that this is their pledge on the Genocide Day. “Today, March 25, is the ‘Genocide Day.’ On this day in 1971, the Pakistani invading forces carried out the world's most barbaric crackdown across the country, including Dhaka. I remember, with a heavy heart, all the martyrs who sacrificed their lives on that most terrible night," he said in a message. Dr Yunus said the nation is still grieving over this infernal carnage. Genocide Day: Nation to observe one minute ‘blackout’ at 10:30 pm on March 25 night During those days of March 1971, when all of Bangladesh was turbulent in movement, the military dictator Yahya secretly left Dhaka on the evening of March 25, amidst the non-cooperation movement, he said. "That night, Pakistani troops launched 'Operation Search Light' and carried out the most brutal massacre in the history of sleeping unarmed people," Dr Yunus said. Thousands of innocent people, including students, teachers, police and army personnel, were martyred across the country, including Dhaka University, Pilkhana and Rajarbagh in the sudden attacks by the invading forces equipped with sophisticated weapons, the Chief Adviser said. "The Bangladesh we wanted after the independence, there people did not have any fundamental rights during the dictatorship that fell upon the country," he said. Symbolic blackout on March 25 night to mark Genocide Day In the July uprising, the nation was unshackled from the "tyranny of dictatorship" through the valour of the students and the masses, Dr Yunus said. The interim government, he said, aspires to move forward by embracing the spirit of the great War of Independence and the July uprising to build a just society and establish the rule of law. "I pray for the salvation of the souls of all martyrs on the night of 25th March," Dr Yunus said.  

One-minute 'Blackout' will be observed across the country from 10:30pm to 10:31pm on March 25, marking the Genocide Day. Key Point Installations (KPIs) and emergency establishments will remain out of the blackout purview, said a handout of the Press Information Department on Monday. Besides, no lighting will be allowed at the government, semi-government, autonomous and private institutions on March 25 night. 21 political parties submit reform opinions to Consensus Commission President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser Dr Yunus will issue special messages to honour the victims of the 1971 genocide. Commemoration and discussion meetings will be held at all educational institutions including schools, colleges, madrasas, and technical schools throughout the country, with participation from prominent personalities and heroic freedom fighters. Seminars focusing on the genocide and the Liberation War will take place at the Liberation War Museum at 10 am or at a convenient time, providing a platform for in-depth discussions on the nation's history. Govt announces programmes for Independence Day celebration Rare photographs and documentaries showcasing the genocide will be displayed in Dhaka and other city corporation areas to educate and raise awareness about this dark chapter in history. Besides, Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar will air various special programmes related to the genocide and the Liberation War. Special prayers will be offered  in mosques and other places of worship after Zuhr prayers or at a suitable time remembering those who were killed on the night of March 25, 1971.  

‘Genocide Day’ is being observed today — recalling the 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 night of March 25 in 1971, the Pakistani military junta resorted to mass killings and arson in Dhaka to implement their blueprint to thwart Awami League assuming office following its victory in the 1970 election. In the attack dubbed 'Operation Searchlight', the Pakistani forces mercilessly killed Bangalee members of the East Pakistan Rifles and police, students, teachers and common people. They killed people indiscriminately, set houses on fire 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 seventh time in the country since the parliament unanimously adopted a resolution on March 11, 2017. President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages on this occasion. Also read; Genocide Day to be observed on Saturday Political parties have taken up programmes in observance of the day. Cultural organizations have arranged seminars, programmes and performances on genocide. Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television as well as private TV channels and radio stations are airing special programmes while national dailies have published supplements marking the day. Meanwhile religious establishments will hold special prayers for the martyrs.  

The facts of 1971 Genocide are well documented, yet it has not been recognized in the UN discourses, says Bangladesh. "We believe UN's mandate to advance prevention will be incomplete if the past tragedies, such as ours, remain un-recognized," said Ambassador Rabab Fatima, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations. She made the remarks at a virtual seminar on “Genocide prevention: recognition of past tragedies and restoring dignity of victims” organized by the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the UN in New York as part of the observance of the National Genocide Day 2022. Also read: Genocide Day: Bangladesh observes symbolic one-minute blackout

Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi on Friday observed the Genocide Day.  The programme began with a moment of silence in remembrance of the Bengalees who were killed in the fateful night of 25 March 1971 as well as the martyrs of the liberation war of Bangladesh. Read: 1971 Genocide: FM says it’s a shame for Pakistan Messages issued by President Md. Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina marking the Genocide Day were read out. Assistant Defence Adviser of the Mission Lt. Colonel Md. Kamrul Hassan read out the message of the President and Counsellor Shahed Bin Aziz read out the message of the Prime Minister respectively. Screening of a documentary on the 1971 Genocide by the Pakistan Army and a discussion on the day were highlights of the programme, said a press release from the mission. Read: AL appeals for global recognition of 1971 genocide High Commissioner Muhammad Imran said the Pakistani aggressors  in the name of 'Operation Searchlight’ wanted to stop the independence-seeking people and committed the most brutal killings in the history throughout the country. He also remembered the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman with profound respect under whose leadership Bangladesh achieved independence through a nine-month long blood stained war.

Exactly at 9pm on Friday, Bangladesh will plunge into darkness to mark Genocide Day. The Ministry of Liberation War Affairs has decided to observe a nationwide one-minute symbolic ‘blackout’ on Friday night marking Genocide Day. On the black night of March 25 in 1971, the Pakistani military junta resorted to mass killings in Dhaka to implement its blueprint to thwart the Awami League's assumption of office following the election mandate of 1970. In the attack dubbed 'Operation Searchlight', the Pakistani security forces mercilessly killed nearly three million people -- Bengali members of the East Pakistan Rifles and police, students, teachers and people. The Pakistani forces also set thousands of properties on fire and looted business establishments. Also read: Genocide Day to be observed on Friday The day is being observed as Genocide Day officially for the sixth time in the country since the Parliament unanimously adopted a resolution on March 11, 2017. President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have already issued separate messages on this occasion. "The observance of Genocide Day is a recognition of the great sacrifices made by three million Bengalis in the liberation struggle of Bangladesh," the President said. "It is also a symbol of protest against the genocide committed by the then Pakistani aggressors." According to the President, the horrific genocide of 1971 is a black chapter not only in Bangladesh but also in the history of world humanity. "The pledge that such genocide does not happen anywhere else will be reflected worldwide through the observance of the Genocide Day." In her message, the PM said that genocide, oppression, and other humanitarian disasters are still happening in some parts of the world. “I believe that by following the ideals of peace enunciated by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and avoiding all forms of discrimination, communalism, and colonialism we can build a peaceful world order." The PM called upon the people to unite for building Bangabandhu’s Sonar Bangla in the spirit of the War of Liberation and following his ideals. Political parties and cultural organisations have lined up programmes to mark the day. 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 organisations will hold special prayers and doa mehfil praying for peace. Also read: Genocide Day observed in Jordan Similar programmes have been arranged at district and upazila levels and by Bangladesh embassies in different countries to highlight the significance of the day.

Bangladesh will observe ‘Genocide Day’ on Friday, to commemorate brutalities of Pakistan army during the Operation Searchlight they had 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.  Organisers have called for a nationwide symbolic one-minute ‘Black Out’ and silence at 9 pm on Friday tomark the day. 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. Read: Bangladesh makes good progress despite Covid pandemic: PM 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 sixth time in the country since the Parliament unanimously adopted a resolution on March 11, 2017. President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages on this occasion. The president said “The observance of Genocide Day is a recognition of the great sacrifices made by three million Bengalis in the liberation struggle of Bangladesh.” It is also a symbol of protest against the genocide committed by the then Pakistani aggressors. “The horrific genocide of 1971 is a black chapter not only in Bangladesh but also in the history of world humanity. The pledge that such genocide does not happen anywhere else will be reflected worldwide through the observance of the Genocide Day” he said In her message, the prime minister said that genocide, oppression, and other humanitarian disasters are still happening in some parts of the world. “I believe that by following the ideals of peace enunciated by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and avoiding all forms of discrimination, communalism, and colonialism we can build a peaceful world order” Read: Dhaka, Moscow working out modalities to keep transactions, trade uninterrupted: Russian envoy The PM called upon the people to unite for building Bangabandhu’s Sonar Bangla in the spirit of the War of Liberation and following his ideals. Political parties have taken up programmes in observance of the day. Different cultural organizations will arrange seminars, cultural programmes lyrical drama on genocide. Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television as well as private television channels and radio stations will air special programmes while national dailies will publish supplements marking the day. Meanwhile different religious organizations will hold special prayers and doa mehfil praying for peace to the deceased.   

Bangladesh High Commissioner to Canada High Dr Khalilur Rahman has said the Pakistani war criminals should be brought under due trial without which the process of doing justice to the victims of the 1971 Genocide in Bangladesh would not be done. While addressing a Genocide Day discussion in Ottawa, he said it is their duty to inform the international community about the genocide that took place in Bangladesh. “Efforts are on to get the Genocide Day recognised internationally.” Also read: Trial of Pakistan's 1971 Genocide: It's for Bangladesh to decide The High Commissioner said he is trying to establish a genocide corner at the Human Rights Museum in Winnipeg with the objective of mobilising public opinion in support of getting Genocide Day recognised internationally. The Bangladesh High Commission in Ottawa observed National Genocide Day of Bangladesh on Thursday. The programme includes the observance of silence, reading out of the messages followed by a special discussion. The Bangladesh High Commissioner, Deputy High Commissioner and all the officers and officials of the High Commission were present at the event. A one-minute silence was observed to pay homage to all the martyrs and then the messages of the President and Prime Minister were read out by the officers of the High Commission for the audiences. At the open discussion held on the importance and the significance of the day, the speakers said 50 years back, on 25 March 1971, Pakistan Army launched “Operation Searchlight” resulting in the worst genocide in human history over a period of nine months till the Pakistan Forces were defeated by the Bangladesh Freedom Fighters under the leadership of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Also read: War crimes trial to continue even if Jamaat seeks mercy: Quader They emphasised that this day should be internationally recognised, and all should work together in this regard. High Commissioner Rahman first paid homage to the Father of the Nation for leading the nation to achieve Independence. He also paid respect to all victims of Genocide in 1971, the martyrs and tortured women and the valiant freedom fighters for whose sacrifice the country achieved Independence. The High Commissioner said the observance of the Genocide Day should have been started earlier than 2017as it is an immensely important day in Bangladesh’s history. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her decision to observe the day as Genocide Day from 2017. The High Commissioner said it was the decision of the Prime Minister to establish the International War Crimes Tribunal after winning the elections in 2008. He mentioned that the International War Criminal Tribunal already tried and convicted Bangladeshi collaborators and associates of the Pakistani war criminals. Also read: No war criminals at Victory Day programmes: Minister

The Embassy of Bangladesh in Amman, Jordan has observed the Genocide Day 2021 with due solemnity. Due to the ongoing lockdown and social distancing measures of the Jordanian government, the Embassy had to arrange the event in a very limited scale. A number of Bangladesh community members living in Amman joined the Embassy officials and staff members in commemorating the Genocide Day, said a media release on Thursday night. The programme commenced with the reading out of verses from the Holy Quran.   Then, a one-minute silence was observed in remembrance of the martyrs of 25th March and the War of Independence.