RAJSHAHI, March 25, 2024 (BSS) - The Genocide Day-2024 was observed today here and different parts of the district as elsewhere in the country in remembrance of the brutal killings carried out by Pakistani occupational forces on the innocent Bengalis on the black night of March 25, 1971.

To mark the day, local district administration chalked out elaborate programmes, including placing of wreaths at Shaheed Minar and other shaheed memorial plaques and discussion meetings.

Bangladesh Shishu Academy and District Shilpakala Academy organized various competitions of essay and painting, patriotic song and recitation on genocide and the great Liberation War followed by cultural functions.

Rajshahi Metropolitan Police (RMP) led by its Commissioner Biplob Bijoy Talukder paid rich tribute to the martyrs of Bablaban genocide through placing wreaths.

He said the genocide committed by the Pakistani occupation forces with the help of their collaborators at different areas of the city in 1971 still reminds of heinous atrocities and crime against humanity.

RMP Additional Commissioners Rashidul Hassan and Hemayetul Islam were present.

Rajshahi College, Rajshahi New Government Degree College and Rajshahi Government Women's College observed the day through placing wreaths at their respective Shaheed Minar paying rich tribute to the martyrs.

Valiant Freedom Fighters Dr Abdul Mannan and  Mustafizur Rahman Khan, Principals of the colleges Prof Abdul Khaleque, Prof Kala Chand Shil and Zubaida Ayesha Siddiqua addressed the meetings on the occasion.   

They stressed the need for creating consensus among the people at home and abroad to earn international recognition of the Genocide Day being observed today in the country.

Like the Liberation War, the incident of genocide is marked permanently in the history of Bangladesh and the young generation needs to work for a due recognition of the day, they added.

Bagha Upazila Parishad also arranged a discussion at its conference hall to mark the day. Upazila Chairman Advocate Layeb Uddin and Bagha Pourasava Mayor Akkash Ali spoke on the occasion.

The District Information Office screened documentary films at different points and road crossings. Special prayers were arranged at the city's mosques and different places of worship, seeking divine blessings for peace for the departed souls of the martyrs.

Local units of Bangladesh Awami League and its front organisations, Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangsad, district and upazila unit commands, Sector Commanders Forum, Rajshahi Press Club, Rajshahi University, Rajshahi University of Science and Technology, Rajshahi Medical University and Rajshahi Medical College observed the day through different programmes.

Besides, different educational institutions, political parties and socio-cultural organisations also observed the day through various programmes, including discussions and paying rich tribute to the martyrs.