‘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 month of August is the month of mourning. On 15th of this month in 1975 the greatest Bengali of all times and the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was brutally killed by some disgruntle army personnel along with most of his family members on the fateful night of 15 August 1975. The self-confessed killers even did not spare 10-year-old Sheikh Russel on this dark night.