One-minute 'blackout' to mark Genocide Day

For the third successive year, the government has decided to observe a one-minute “blackout” on the night of March 25, marking Genocide Day.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal came up with the information after a meeting at the conference room of the ministry in presence of top officials of law enforcement agencies on observing Genocide Day on March 25 and Independence Day on March 26.

The “blackout” programme will be observed for one minute from 9pm on March 25, he said.

Everyone will switch their lights off. The information about the programme will be disseminated through media. Additional security measures will also be taken on the occasion, said the minister.

However, establishments of emergency services will remain out of the purview of the programme, said Asaduzzaman.

Besides, measures will be taken to ensure security at National Martyrs' Memorial, Martyred Intellectuals Memorial at Rayerbazar and Suhrawardy Udyan, he said.

A march-past programme will be held at Bangabandhu National Stadium to observe Independence Day, the minister added.

The minister also said that there will be arrangements for transporting the foreign diplomats.

Medical services, water supply and utility services will be ensured for holding the programmes peacefully, he said.

Special meals will be provided in jails, hospitals and orphanages marking the day.

In 2017, the government officially declared March 25 as “Genocide Day”, commemorating “Operation Searchlight” -- carried out by the Pakistan Army to curb the Bengali independence movement.