Marking Genocide Day, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh on Tuesday paid homage to the victims of the 1971 mass killings, describing March 25 as one of the “most disgraceful and brutal” days in the nation’s history.Genocide Day is observed annually in Bangladesh on March 25 to commemorate the victims of the 1971 crackdown and to reaffirm the country’s commitment to preserving the memory of the atrocities.In a formal message issued on the occasion, the Prime Minister said the atrocities “carried out by Pakistani forces” under Operation Searchlight constituted one of the most heinous genocides against unarmed civilians.“On that dark night, the Pakistani occupation forces carried out one of the most heinous genocides in history against the unarmed people of Bangladesh,” Rahman said.Recalling the events of that night, the statement noted that indiscriminate firing targeted teachers, intellectuals and civilians across key locations, including Dhaka University, Pilkhana and Rajarbagh Police Lines, resulting in widespread loss of life.The message termed the violence a “pre-planned massacre” and said questions surrounding why the killings could not be resisted remain a subject of historical inquiry, particularly regarding the political leadership of the time.Highlighting the beginning of armed resistance, the Prime Minister said elements of the 8th East Bengal Regiment in Chattogram declared revolt the same night, marking the onset of the nine-month Liberation War that ultimately led to Bangladesh’s independence.Emphasising the importance of remembering the genocide, the statement called on citizens to uphold the values of equality, human dignity and social justice that underpinned the liberation struggle.“Let us work together to build a just, developed, prosperous, self-reliant and democratic Bangladesh,” the Prime Minister said, while also offering prayers for the departed souls of the victims.