Dhaka: In a strongly worded message, newly-elected Bangladesh prime minister Tarique Rahman, on Wednesday, called out Pakistan for the horrific massacre of his country’s men and women on March 25, 1971.
Bangladesh observes the day as Genocide Day. On that night, the Pakistan Army launched Operation Searchlight, a brutal crackdown intended to curb the Bengali nationalist movement in what was then East Pakistan.
Extending his condolences, Rahman recounted how Pakistan killed Bangladeshis under this operation. He described March 25, 1971, as one of the most disgraceful and brutal days.
“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”, he posted on X.
“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, calling for people to honour the sacrifices made by those who died, as reported by WION.
He recalled how Pakistani forces opened indiscriminate fire on teachers, intellectuals and innocent civilians at locations including Dhaka University, Pilkhana and Rajarbāgh Police Lines, killing many people.
Rahman described the genocide of March 25 as a pre-planned massacre and noted that on the same night, the 8th East Bengal Regiment in Chattogram formally initiated armed resistance by declaring “We Revolt,” marking the beginning of the nine-month Liberation War. He called on citizens to work together to build a just, developed, prosperous, self-reliant and democratic Bangladesh.
His statement is being seen as important as Bangladesh, under the Muhammad Yunus-headed interim government, had been attempting to mend ties with Pakistan. This included the first Foreign Office consultations in 15 years.