Mentioning that the horrific genocide of 1971 is a black chapter not only in the history of Bangladesh but also in world humanity, President Mohammed Shahabuddin today said that through the observance of Genocide Day, it is expected that such genocide would not happen anywhere else.
"The horrific genocide of 1971 is a black chapter not only in the history of Bangladesh but also in the history of world humanity. To ensure that such genocide does not happen anywhere else, the demand will be reflected globally by observing Genocide Day,” he said in a message on the eve of the 'Genocide Day'.
He condemned the genocide that is still taking place in all the countries across the world, including Palestine.
The President called upon the international community, including the United Nations, to work together to stop genocide worldwide.
The President also said, "On this day in 1971, Pakistani invaders committed the most brutal killings in the history of the country, including in Dhaka".
People from all walks of life, including students, teachers, intellectuals, and members of different services, especially police and the then EPR, were killed in the massacre intended to stop the freedom movement, Shahabuddin added.
The observance of this day as the Genocide Day is a recognition of the great sacrifices made by three million Bangalees in the struggle for the liberation of Bangladesh as well as a symbol of extreme protest against the brutal genocide of the then Pakistani aggressors, he said.
On this day, the head of the state said, "I recall with profound respect the architect of our independence, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, under whose leadership and direction we achieved our independence through a nine-month long armed struggle."
He, with deep reverence, remembered all the martyrs who were killed on the fateful night of March 25.
"I also recall with deep respect our four national leaders, valiant freedom-fighters, organizers, supporters, and people from all strata who made immense contributions and sacrifices to attain our independence," the President said.
The then Pakistani aggressors, armed with sophisticated weapons, indiscriminately carried out genocide on the unarmed Bengalees on March 25, 1971, to silence the Bengali nation forever, Shahabuddin said, adding that in the name of 'Operation Searchlight', they wanted to stop the resistance of the independence-seeking mass people.
Massacres took place simultaneously on the Dhaka University campus, Rajarbagh Police Lines, Pilkhana (now BGB Headquarters), Jashore, Khulna, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Syedpur, Cumilla, Sylhet, Chattogram, he said.
Noting that the news of this genocide was extensively covered in the world media, the head of the state said, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was arrested by the Pakistani army in the early hours of March 26.
Before that (arrest), Bangabandhu declared the country's independence, and the War of Liberation started following the declaration, he added.
Three million people were the victims of the brutal killings of Pakistani invaders and their local collaborators during the nine-month long War of Liberation, the President said, adding that one crore Bangalees took shelter in neighboring India due to the horrors of murder and oppression.
Overcoming all obstacles, inspired by the spirit of the War of Liberation, he said, Bangladesh is moving towards progress and prosperity.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has announced 'Vision-2041' to turn Bangladesh into a developed and prosperous country by 2041, he added.
He called upon all, irrespective of party affiliation, to contribute from their respective positions to implement the programme.
