Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman Extends Condolences on Genocide Day
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman of Bangladesh expressed his deepest condolences on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, as the nation observed Genocide Day. This solemn day marks the anniversary of the horrific events of March 25, 1971, when Pakistani occupation forces launched a brutal crackdown known as 'Operation Searchlight' against the unarmed people of Bangladesh.
Recounting the Brutal History of Operation Searchlight
In a detailed post on social media platform X, Rahman described March 25, 1971, as one of the most disgraceful and brutal days in the history of freedom-loving Bangladesh. He emphasized that the Pakistani forces carried out a pre-planned massacre, indiscriminately opening fire on teachers, intellectuals, and innocent civilians at key locations including Dhaka University, Pilkhana, and Rajarbagh Police Lines, resulting in numerous fatalities.
The Prime Minister highlighted that this organized killing spree remains a subject of historical research, particularly regarding the visible role of the political leadership at that time. He pointed out that the inability to resist this genocide raises critical questions about the events leading up to the Liberation War.
Initiating Armed Resistance and the Liberation War
Rahman noted that despite the darkness of that night, the 8th East Bengal Regiment in Chattogram formally initiated armed resistance by declaring 'We Revolt'. This act of defiance sparked the long nine-month armed Liberation War, which ultimately led to Bangladesh's independence. He stressed the importance of conveying the value and significance of independence to present and future generations by understanding the genocide of March 25.
The Prime Minister called upon all citizens to honor the sacrifices of the martyrs by establishing the spirit of the great Liberation War—equality, human dignity, and social justice—in both state and society. He urged collective efforts to build a just, developed, prosperous, self-reliant, and democratic Bangladesh.
International Recognition and Support
In related developments, the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, a human rights organization combating religious discrimination, has warmly welcomed a resolution introduced in the United States House of Representatives. Congressman Greg Landsman proposed this resolution on March 20, calling for the recognition of the genocide committed during Bangladesh's Great Liberation War of 1971.
Rahman concluded his message with a prayer, asking the Almighty Allah to grant forgiveness and eternal peace to the departed souls of all the martyrs. He also wished success to all programs organized to observe Genocide Day, reinforcing the nation's commitment to remembering its history and striving for a better future.
