Dhaka, March 25: Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has termed the genocide of March 25, 1971 as a “pre-planned” massacre and appealed to build a state and society of “equality, human dignity and social justice,” in the spirit of the Liberation War. Calling it as “one of the most disgraceful and brutal days” in the history of Bangladesh, Rahman, in a message on X, also said it is essential to know about the genocide of March 25 to convey the value and significance of independence to the present and future generations.
The Pakistani army launched ‘Operation Searchlight’ on March 25, 1971 to suppress the Bengali people’s calls for self-determination in erstwhile East Pakistan, killing over 20,000 people in Dhaka alone. Officially, three million people were killed in the subsequent nine-month Liberation War. Bangladesh observes Genocide Day to pay homage to the victims.
Rahman’s message on Tuesday, on the eve of the Genocide Remembrance Day, said: “The genocide of 25 March was a pre-planned massacre. 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.” “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.
Recalling the events of “that dark night,” Rahman said 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’.
“They indiscriminately opened fire on teachers, intellectuals and innocent civilians at various places, including Dhaka University, Pilkhana and Rajarbagh Police Lines, killing many people,” the prime minister described.
Rahman called it as a “pre-planned massacre,” and raised questions as to why the organised killing spree could not be resisted at that time. (PTI)
