The government has declared several programmes to observe Genocide Day today and remember the brutalities of Pakistani occupation forces on unarmed Bangalees on the night of March 25, 1971.

The government has decided to observe a one-minute symbolic "blackout" from 9:00pm to 9:01pm throughout the country.

The key point installations (KPIs) and essential establishments will remain out of the purview of the programme.

On the occasion, the government has also imposed restrictions on lighting at all government, semi-government, autonomous, private buildings and structures on March 25 night. But lightings are allowed from the evening of March 26.

Marking the Genocide Day, newspapers will publish special supplements upholding the day's significance.

A discussion programme on the occasion of the day will be held at the National Museum in the morning.

Lyrical-dramas on genocide and the Liberation War as well as cultural programmes will take place across the country, said a PID handout.

Besides, remembrance by freedom fighters and noted personalities as well as discussions on March 25 genocide will take place at all educational institutions including schools, colleges, and madrasas across the country.

Rare photographs and documentaries on genocide will be exhibited in all city corporations.

Also, special prayers for the salvation of the souls of those killed on the night of March 25, 1971, will take place at mosques after Zuhr prayers. Special prayers will also take place at all other places of worship.All countrymen and concerned public-private organisations have been requested to implement the programmes.

Meanwhile, President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued messages on the eve of Genocide Day.

In his message, President Abdul Hamid emphasised collective efforts to turn the country into "Sonar Bangla" as dreamt by the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, reported BSS.

"We can pay our eternal respect to every soul who gave his [or her] life in 1971 genocide, by turning the country into 'Sonar Bangla' as dreamt by Bangabandhu," he said.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in her message, 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," says a PID handout.