Bangladesh observes Genocide Day with one-minute nationwide blackout

Bangladesh has once again commemorated one of the darkest nights in its history—the brutal massacre unleashed by the Pakistani army on Mar 25, 1971— with a solemn, one-minute nationwide blackout.

At exactly 10:30pm on Monday, lights across the country dimmed in unison, plunging the nation into symbolic darkness to honour the victims of that fateful night.

For one minute to 10:31pm, key government institutions in the capital stood still in the shadows, marking the annual observance of Genocide Day.

The symbolic blackout was also observed at Dhaka University, a site etched deeply in the country’s struggle for freedom.

Except for emergency facilities, the campus fell dark in remembrance of the lives lost.

This tradition, first recognised in 2017 by Bangladesh’s National Parliament, has continued each year, uninterrupted by political transitions.

After Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s speech at the Race Course Ground on Mar 7, 1971, the demand for independence spread across East Pakistan.

The Pakistani military, unwilling to relinquish control, prepared for a violent crackdown.

On the night of Mar 25, under the codename “Operation Searchlight,” the Pakistani army launched a brutal attack on unarmed civilians, hoping to crush the push for independence.

Under the orders of the ruling West Pakistani regime, troops stormed Dhaka University, Rajarbagh Police Lines, and the Ramna Kali Temple, killing thousands.

At least 7,000 people lost their lives in Dhaka alone.

Hours after the massacre began, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was arrested by the Pakistani forces, but not before he declared Bangladesh’s independence in the early hours of Mar 26, 1971.

The war that followed, lasting nine months, culminated in the birth of an independent Bangladesh at the cost of millions of lives.

The president and chief advisor have released statements on the occasion of Genocide Day.

‘PAKISTAN’ ABSENT FROM DU PR

On Tuesday night, Dhaka University’s public relations department issued a press statement.

However, the 358-word notice sent under the title “Genocide Day Observance at Dhaka University” made no mention of who had carried out the massacre.

The press release said that “Genocide Day” was observed at Dhaka University on Tuesday to commemorate the night of Mar 25, 1971.

On this occasion, in the evening, at the Smriti Chirantan Square, the university members, led by Dhaka University Vice Chancellor Niaz Ahmed Khan, lit candles and paid tribute to the memory of the martyrs.

Later, a discussion was held at the Smriti Chirantan Square under the chairmanship of Niaz Ahmed.

“The Mar 25, 1971 genocide is one of the worst genocides in history. This genocide is even more painful for Dhaka University. Because we lost many members of our university family in this genocide,” said Niaz Ahmed.

“We got our freedom at the cost of a lot of blood. We are standing here today because the country became independent, we have assumed various important positions.

Behind this independence lies the extreme sacrifice of fearless brave soldiers. We have a responsibility to these brave soldiers, we have a blood debt. We have to remember this blood debt every day.”

After the discussion, the university lit candles at the Jagannath Hall mass grave and paid tribute to the martyrs.