Photo: BSS

CHATTOGRAM, Mar 25, 2026 (BSS)- The Genocide Day was observed today in the port city of Chattogram and other parts of the district, recalling the brutal atrocities of the Pakistani occupation forces during the Liberation War of 1971. 

The day was marked with a vow to uphold the spirit of the country's independence struggle. Chattogram District Administration organized a discussion highlighting the significance on the day.
 
Various organizations, including  Chattogram City Corporation, Jilla Parisad, upazila administrations, and political parties like BNP, paid tribute to the massacre sites at the district and upazila levels. The district administration also organized various programs to commemorate the National Genocide Day.
 
A discussion meeting was held in the conference room of the Deputy Commissioner on March 25 on the day.

Eminent personalities and valiant freedom fighters participated in the event. Rare photographs, images and documentaries on the genocide were displayed in various locations in the city and district. 

Special prayers were offered in the places of worships and other places in memory of the martyrs of the Liberation War.
 
Chattogram Divisional Commissioner Dr. Mohammad Ziauddin emphasized the importance of allowing the new generation the history of the great liberation war. 

He highlighted the need for current government officials and employees, who belong to the post-independence generation to share their experiences and knowledge with the youth. 

Dr. Ziauddin stressed that understanding the sacrifices of the freedom fighters is crucial for the success of their efforts.
 
He urged everyone to inspire the new generation with the spirit of the liberation war to build a safe and inclusive Bangladesh. He expressed hope that by embracing the values of the liberation war, Bangladesh could become a model country known for its harmonious coexistence and progress.

Senior government officials including Deputy Commissioner attended the meeting. 

Freedom fighters Md. Kamal Uddin, Brigadier General (Retd.) Shahidullah Chowdhury, AHM Jilani Chowdhury, and Dilip Kanti Das were among the special guests who spoke on the occasion.
 
Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain laid floral wreath at the Slaughter house Memorial in Pahartali in the city to honor the martyrs on Genocide Day.
 
Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain announced effective initiatives to preserve historical sites associated with the Liberation War in Chattogram. He mentioned that sites like the Revolution Garden, massacre site, Kalurghat Radio Center, and Zia Memorial Museum will be preserved to accurately present the history of the Liberation War to future generation.
 
Reflecting on the dark night of March 25, 1971, when the Pakistani occupying forces carried out a brutal genocide through 'Operation Searchlight', Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain highlighted the courage shown by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman from Chittagong, which led to the beginning of the Liberation War. He emphasized the importance of preserving the true history of the war to prevent confusion among future generations.