Genocide Day being observed across country

FT ONLINE

The nation is observing the 'Genocide Day' for the second time with the demand for recognizing the day as "International Genocide Day" commemorating the atrocities carried out by Pakistani occupation army on the unarmed Bengalis on the black night of March 25 in 1971.

The government, Awami League, 14-party alliance, other political, social and cultural organizations drew up elaborate programmes across the country, recalling the genocide carried out by Pakistani forces along with its local collaborators including Rajakar, Al Badr and Al Shams as around 30 lakh people embraced martyrdom and two lakh women were raped in the nine month long blood shedding Liberation War.

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages on Saturday marking the "Genocide Day".

In his message, the President said genocide in 1971 is a black chapter in the history of mankind. "None can forget the horrors of the genocide," he said.

He called for upholding the demand worldwide through the observance of the day so that such a genocide would recur nowhere in the world.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in her message, said the incidents of killing of a large number of people in the short span of time are rare in the world.

She said the decision of observing "Genocide Day" is a manifestation of paying tributes to the 30 lakh martyrs who made supreme sacrifices to liberate the nation.

The day's programmes include paying tributes to the 1971 martyrs at killing grounds at different places of the country, prayers, reminiscence, candle light vigil, screening of documentaries, discussions, playing of patriotic songs and recitation of poems.

Awami League is observing the day at the cities, districts, thanas, pourashavas and unions throughout the country through different programmes in a befitting manner.