Recognise March 25 as Int’l Genocide Day

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday called upon all international communities, including the United Nations, to recognise March 25 as International Genocide Day.

She made the call while speaking at a meeting of the Awami League Parliamentary Nomination Board at the Gono Bhaban, reports UNB.

On the night of March 25 in 1971, Pakistani military junta resorted to mass killings and arson in Dhaka to implement their blueprint to thwart AL's assumption of office following its victory in the 1970 general election.

The night also witnessed Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's proclamation of independence before he was arrested by Pakistani troops and subsequently taken to West Pakistan.

Hasina, also the Awami League president, said that Bangladesh started its journey with these "wounds". She noted how Pakistani occupational forces committed genocide on unarmed Bangalees.

"They unleashed attacks on the people of Bangladesh in a horrific way and killed people for nine long months."

The AL chief said some 30 lakh people were martyred, and three crore became homeless.

She recalled how Bangabandhu built a country ravaged by the war.

"We got the recognition as the least developed country during his three years and seven months in power. It was unfortunate that the father of the nation was killed brutally."

She said that the blood of the martyrs would never go in vain.

In the March 25 attack, dubbed "Operation Searchlight", the Pakistani forces killed Bangalee members of the East Pakistan Rifles and police, students, teachers and ordinary people.

They set houses on fire and looted businesses, leaving a trail of destruction.

The day was observed as Genocide Day yesterday for the seventh time in the country since parliament unanimously adopted a resolution on March 11, 2017.

Meanwhile, President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday issued separate messages on the eve of the Independence today.

The president in his message said people-oriented and sustainable development, good governance, social justice, transparency and accountability must be ensured in the country in order to achieve the desired goal of independence, reports BSS.

"It is our sacred duty to ensure a safe, happy, beautiful and prosperous Bangladesh for the new generation," he said.

The PM in a recorded radio and televised message urged all to work for building a golden Bangladesh free from hunger and poverty.

She extended her sincere greetings to all Bangladeshis at home and abroad.