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.

A one-minute blackout will be observed in Bangladesh on Thursday night to mark 'Genocide Day', amid fears of a second wave of the Covid pandemic. 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. Also read: Trial of Pakistan's 1971 Genocide: It's for Bangladesh to decide In the attack dubbed 'Operation Searchlight', the Pakistani security forces mercilessly killed nearly three million people -- Bangali members of the East Pakistan Rifles and police, students, teachers and common people. The Pakistani forces also set thousands of properties on fire and looted business establishments. This is the third time that Bangladesh is observing Genocide Day since Parliament unanimously adopted a resolution on March 11, 2017. This year, however, there will be no outdoor programme due to the prevailing Covid situation. Only a one-minute blackout is slated to be observed from 9pm to 9.01pm across the country. President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have already issued separate messages on the occasion. Also read: One minute ‘blackout’ at 9 pm on March 25 night In her message, the Prime Minister said,  “On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Day of Genocide, we pledge to uphold the freedom that we have earned in exchange for the three million martyrs and the respect of two hundred thousand tortured mothers and sisters, if necessary, in exchange for our supreme sacrifices.” “Resisting all immediate conspiracies and be inspired by the spirit of the Great Liberation War, we shall play a concerted role in the realisation of the dream of the Father of the Nation for building a non-communal, hunger-free and prosperous Bangladesh, Insha Allah," she said. “I wish all-out success to the programmes taken on the occasion of 'Genocide Day'," the PM said. President Hamid said, “On the eve of the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation and the Golden Jubilee of Independence, I call upon all, irrespective of party affiliation, to contribute from their respective positions in the implementation of these programmes.” Also read: Genocide Day' observed  “We can pay our eternal respect to every soul who gave his life in 1971 genocide, by turning the country into the ‘Sonar Bangla’ as dreamt by Bangabandhu,” he said.