Dhaka, Mar 25 (V7N) – Bangladesh is observing ‘Genocide Day’ today, marking the barbaric massacre carried out by the Pakistani occupying forces on this night in 1971. On the occasion, Chief Advisor Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus issued a message on Monday, remembering the martyrs of that horrific night with a sorrowful heart. He emphasized that the nation still mourns the unspeakable brutality that took place on March 25.

In his message, Dr. Yunus recalled the events leading up to the genocide, noting that dictator Yahya Khan secretly left Dhaka on the evening of March 25, 1971, amid the ongoing non-cooperation movement. That night, Pakistani forces launched ‘Operation Searchlight,’ a brutal military campaign that resulted in one of the worst massacres in history, targeting sleeping, unarmed civilians.

Thousands of innocent people, including students, teachers, police, and army personnel, were martyred in coordinated attacks across the country. The most horrific ambushes took place at Dhaka University, Peelkhana, and Rajarbagh, where heavily armed Pakistani forces unleashed indiscriminate violence. Their sacrifices paved the way for the Liberation War, which led to Bangladesh’s hard-earned independence after nine months of struggle.

Reflecting on the post-independence period, the Chief Advisor stated that the aspirations of 1971 were shattered by the emergence of dictatorship, where fundamental rights were lost. However, the nation reclaimed democracy through the heroism of students and the people in the July Uprising. He emphasized that the interim government is committed to upholding the spirit of both the Liberation War and the July Uprising, striving for a just society and the rule of law.

Dr. Yunus ended his message by praying for the souls of the martyrs and reaffirming a national commitment: “The new Bangladesh will emerge as a strong, peaceful, and democratic country – this is our pledge on Genocide Day.”

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