25 March 1971 among Bangladesh’s most brutal days: PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said 25 March 1971 remains one of the most disgraceful and brutal days in the history of freedom-loving Bangladesh.

“25 March 1971 is observed as Genocide Day. On the occasion of Genocide Day, I pay my deepest respect to all the martyrs. In the history of freedom-loving Bangladesh, 25 March 1971 remains one of the most disgraceful and brutal days,” he said in a message issued today on the occasion of Genocide Day.

On that dark night, the Pakistani occupation forces carried out one of the most heinous genocides in history against the unarmed people of Bangladesh in the name of ‘Operation Searchlight’, the premier said.

They indiscriminately opened fire on teachers, intellectuals and innocent civilians at various places, including Dhaka University, Pilkhana and Rajarbagh Police Lines, killing many people, he added.

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

However, on the night of 25 March, the 8th East Bengal Regiment in Chattogram formally initiated armed resistance against the genocide by declaring ‘We Revolt’, he said.

Through this resistance to genocide, the long nine-month armed Liberation War began, he added.

To convey the value and significance of independence to the present and future generations, it is essential to know about the genocide of 25 March as well, the prime minister said.

“Let us all strive to honour the sacrifices of the martyrs by establishing in the state and society the spirit of the great Liberation War – equality, human dignity and social justice,” he added.

“Let us work together to build a just, developed, prosperous, self-reliant and democratic Bangladesh,” the premier said.

Tarique Rahman prayed to the Almighty Allah to grant forgiveness and eternal peace to the departed souls of all the martyrs.

“On the occasion of Genocide Day on March 25, I wish every success to all the programmes organised to observe the day,” he added.