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Bangladesh PM Recalls 1971 "Pre-Planned Massacre" on Genocide Day

Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman extended condolences on Genocide Day, observed to commemorate the victims of March 25, 1971. He recounted the brutal actions of Pakistani occupation forces who carried out a heinous genocide under "Operation Searchlight" against unarmed Bangladeshis. Rahman termed the event a pre-planned massacre and highlighted the armed resistance that began the Liberation War. He called on citizens to honor the martyrs' sacrifices by working towards a just, developed, and democratic Bangladesh.

Key Points: Bangladesh PM Marks Genocide Day, Recalls 1971 Pakistan Operation

  • PM commemorates 1971 Genocide Day
  • Recalls Pakistan's Operation Searchlight
  • Calls it a pre-planned massacre
  • Urges building a just, prosperous Bangladesh
3 min read

Pre-planned massacre by Pakistani-occupied forces: Bangladesh PM extends condolences on Genocide Day

PM Tarique Rahman commemorates Genocide Day, honoring victims of Pakistan's 1971 Operation Searchlight and calling for a just, prosperous Bangladesh.

"The genocide of 25 March was a pre-planned massacre. - Tarique Rahman"

Dhaka, March 25

Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Tarique Rahman, on Wednesday extended his condolences on Genocide Day, which is observed here to commemorate the victims of March 25, 1971.

Rahman recounted how Pakistan killed Bangladeshis in the name of 'Operation Searchlight". He termed March 25, 1971, one of the most disgraceful and brutal days.

In a post on X, he said, "March 25, 1971, is observed as Genocide Day. On the occasion of Genocide Day, I pay my deepest respect to all the martyrs. In the history of freedom-loving Bangladesh, 25 March 1971 remains one of the most disgraceful and brutal days. On that dark night, 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 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," he added.

Rahman called for people to honour the sacrifices made by those who died.

"However, on the night of 25 March, the 8th East Bengal Regiment in Chattogram formally initiated armed resistance against the genocide by declaring 'We Revolt'. Through this resistance to genocide, the long nine-month armed Liberation War began. To convey the value and significance of independence to the present and future generations, it is essential to know about the genocide of 25 March as well. 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.

Rahman called for citizens to build a just, developed, prosperous, self-reliant and democratic Bangladesh.

"Let us work together to build a just, developed, prosperous, self-reliant and democratic Bangladesh. I pray to the Almighty Allah to grant forgiveness and eternal peace to the departed souls of all the martyrs. On the occasion of Genocide Day on 25 March. I wish every success to all the programmes organised to observe the day," he said.

Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, a human rights organisation working against religious discrimination, has warmly welcomed the resolution introduced on March 20 in the second session of the 119th Congress of the United States House of Representatives by Congressman Greg Landsman, calling for the recognition of the 'genocide' committed in Bangladesh during the Great Liberation War of 1971.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Heartbreaking to read the details even after all these years. My grandfather served in the Indian Army during that war and would often talk about the refugees and the horrors. The world must recognize it as genocide. Respect to Bangladesh for keeping the memory alive.
R
Rahul R
While the sentiment is right, I hope the current Bangladesh government also focuses on protecting the rights of all minorities today, as mentioned in the last part of the article. Remembering past genocide must go hand-in-hand with preventing any discrimination now. A respectful point to consider.
S
Sarah B
The scale of the planned violence is chilling. The targeting of intellectuals at Dhaka University shows the intent to crush the soul of a nation. Glad to see the US resolution. More countries should formally acknowledge this.
V
Vikram M
"We Revolt" – such powerful words from the East Bengal Regiment. It's a lesson in courage for all of us. Bangladesh's journey from that night to today is inspiring. Joi Bangla!
K
Karthik V
This history is not taught enough in global classrooms. Operation Searchlight was a brutal military crackdown on civilians. Salute to the martyrs and to the spirit of the Liberation War. The call for a just and prosperous Bangladesh is the true tribute.

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