Bangladesh’s unanimously adopted a resolution declaring March 25 as Genocide Day, in remembrance of the atrocities carried out by the Pakistani Army in the night of March 25, 1971.
Condemning the denial of history by Pakistan, the Bangladeshi legislators passed the motion unanimously after a marathon seven-hour discussion on Saturday night.
A total of 56 MPs, including Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, took part. The resolution read: “It is Parliament's opinion that Mar 25 be declared Genocide Day to commemorate the genocide conducted by the atrocious Pakistani forces on the black night of Mar 25, 1971, and necessary steps are taken to have the Day recognised internationally.”
The Pakistan Army swooped on unarmed civilians on the night of March 25, 1971, to crush the Bengali rebellion following refusal by the military leadership to accept the election results of 1970 in which the Awami League got thumping majority . ‘Operation Searchlight’ began in the first hours of March 25 in Dhaka.
MPs also suggested that the government take initiative so that December 9, marked by the UN as international day of commemoration of genocide, sees the the March 25 victims being commemorate as well.
