The Genocide Day-2023 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 Government Women's College observed the day through placing wreaths at its Shaheed Minar paying rich tribute to the martyrs. Valiant Freedom Fighter Mustafizur Rahman Khan, Principal of the college Prof Zubaida Ayesha Siddiqua and vice Principal Prof Naznin Sultana addressed a meeting 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.
SOURCE: BANGLADESH SANGBAD SANGSTHA