DHAKA, March 24, (V7N) — President Mohammed Shahabuddin has urged all citizens, regardless of religion, caste, party or opinion, to work together with patriotism to fulfill the spirit and expectations of the martyrs of the Liberation War.

In a message marking Genocide Day, to be observed tomorrow, the President said: “The hope, aspiration and dream of the martyrs in the Liberation War was to build a humane, democratic and real state — where there will be no discrimination, deprivation, misrule, corruption and injustice.”

He described March 25, 1971 as the most brutal and painful chapter in national history, recalling how the Pakistani occupation forces carried out indiscriminate massacres on unarmed and sleeping countrymen under “Operation Search Light.” Members of the Rajarbagh Police Lines, the then EPR, students, teachers, intellectuals, workers, and countless innocent people — including those at Dhaka University — were brutally murdered.

The President noted that the East Bengal Regiment in Chittagong formally revolted that night, resisting the genocide. He added that the declaration of independence by Major Zia from Kalurghat radio station united the nation, inspiring armed struggle and sacrifice.

He emphasized that the younger generation must clearly know both the cruelty of this barbarity and the heroism of the nation, ensuring that history is remembered and honored.

Highlighting recent progress, the President said that after many years, the right to vote has been re‑established through a free, fair and acceptable election. He noted that a democratic government has now been formed by popular vote and has begun programs to build a non‑discriminatory, democratic, humane and self‑reliant Bangladesh.

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