Bangladesh is observing the “Genocide Day” today for the first time, marking the brutality carried out by Pakistani Army on the unarmed Bangalis on the black night of March 25, 1971.

After 46 years, Jatiya Sangsad on March 11 reached a consensus on declaring “Genocide Day”. Subsequently the cabinet division in a meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the chair unanimously endorsed the decision on March 20.

Later, a gazette notification was also published in this regard on March 21.

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From now on, Bangladesh will observe “Genocide Day” on March 25, the day when the Pakistan army unleashed its war machine against the population of the then East Pakistan.

The government, political parties, cultural organisation and other social groups have chalked out elaborate programmes including discussion meetings and cultural functions to observe the day.

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As part of the programmes, a two-day photography exhibition begun near the Independence Monument at the historic Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka reminding the atrocities committed on March 25, 1971.

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in separate message on the occasion said Bangladesh will observe the day as a strong protest against Pakistani atrocities.

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In his message, the president said the “Genocide Day” is not only the recognition of sacrifice of 30 lakh Bangalees in the freedom of struggle of Bangladesh but also a symbol of strong protest against the genocide.

“Genocide on March 25 is a brutal and grievous incident in the history of Bangali nation,” he said.

The prime minister, in her message, said the Pakistani occupation forces swooped on unarmed Bangalis on March 25 night. They along with their local collaborators including Rajakar, al Badr and al Shams carried out atrocities.