Bangladesh Commemorates Genocide Day: Sheikh Hasina Remembers 1971 Atrocities

On Genocide Day, Sheikh Hasina pays tribute to the millions who perished during the 1971 atrocities in Bangladesh. Reflecting on the horrors of 'Operation Searchlight', she emphasizes the importance of remembering the sacrifices made for independence and the ongoing fight for justice. Hasina's statements highlight the need for national unity against attempts to distort history and rehabilitate those who collaborated with the oppressors. This day serves as a reminder of the dark past and the commitment to uphold the memory of the martyrs.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 25, 2026, 12:52 IST

Bangladesh Marks Genocide Day

Dhaka, March 25: On Wednesday, Bangladesh commemorated Genocide Day, with former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina honoring the millions who lost their lives during the brutal 1971 crackdown by Pakistani forces.

Hasina described March 25, 1971, as a night of horror for the Bangladeshi populace, marking the onset of "Operation Searchlight," a military campaign aimed at the systematic extermination of Bengali people.

"The death toll from this horrific genocide exceeded 3 million within just nine months. The extreme violence witnessed was unprecedented in Bengali history, leading to the absence of a specific term for 'genocide' in our language; we use the term 'genocide' to express its meaning," stated Hasina in a message shared by the Awami League on social media.

She also paid tribute to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the Father of the Nation, who was arrested on that fateful night, and honored the countless martyrs whose sacrifices have left a lasting mark on the nation.

To ensure recognition of the "atrocities and barbarity" inflicted by the Pakistani military, Hasina noted that her government declared March 25 as 'Genocide Day' in Parliament on March 11, 2017.

"We aimed to raise global awareness about the sacrifices made for our independence and to advocate for justice regarding this genocide," she emphasized.

Despite facing domestic and international challenges, Hasina asserted that her government pursued legal action against identified perpetrators of crimes against humanity, stating, "This was not revenge, but a crucial step towards justice and the rule of law."

She criticized the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, claiming it halted the trial process and released convicted war criminals, which she viewed as a dishonor to the martyrs' sacrifices.

Hasina warned against ongoing efforts to distort history and rehabilitate those who collaborated with the oppressors, asserting that such actions threaten the spirit of the liberation struggle.

She called for national unity to resist any attempts to reinstate the ideology of the oppressors in Bangladesh.