Build a society free from discrimination, sectarianism

GBNEWS24DESK//

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called upon all to build a society based on equality and free from all kinds of discrimination and sectarianism.

She said this in a message yesterday on the eve of Genocide Day-2023.

Bangladesh will observe the day today to commemorate brutalities of the Pakistan army during “Operation Searchlight”, launched on the night of March 25, 1971.

“Operation Searchlight” was a last resort of Pakistan to try and suppress the will of the Bangalees who would get an independent country in less than nine months.

During the operation, the Pakistan forces indiscriminately killed the Bangalee members of the East Pakistan Rifles and police, students, teachers and common people.

They also set fire to houses and looted business establishments, leaving a trail of destruction.

The night also witnessed Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s proclamation of independence before he was arrested by the Pakistani troops and subsequently flown to West Pakistan.

The day is being observed as Genocide Day officially for the seventh time in the country since the parliament unanimously adopted a resolution on March 11, 2017.

In her message, Hasina said, “We have recognised March 25 as Genocide Day. We have sheltered more than 1.1 million displaced Rohingyas who escaped with their lives from genocide in neighbouring Myanmar. …”

President Abdul Hamid also issued a message on this occasion.

“The observance of Genocide Day is a recognition of the great sacrifices made by three million Bangalees in the liberation struggle of Bangladesh,” he said.

It is also a symbol of protest against the genocide committed by the then Pakistani aggressors, the president added.

Political parties have taken up programmes in observance of the day.

Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television as well as private television channels and radio stations will air special programmes while national dailies will publish supplements marking the day.