Ziaur Rahman's declaration of independence united a confused nation: President

President Md Sahabuddin has said that Major Zia's declaration of independence in 1971 united the entire confused and hesitant nation, making them fearless and inspiring them to plunge into armed struggle and sacrifice their lives.

He said, "March 25 is the most brutal and painful chapter in our national life. The entire nation was left speechless and stunned by this genocide. In this context, the formal rebellion and armed resistance against the genocide at the East Bengal Regiment in Chattogram on the night of March 25, and immediately after, Major Zia's declaration of independence from the Kalurghat Radio Station, united the confused and hesitant nation, infused them with immense courage, and inspired them to plunge into armed struggle and sacrifice their lives. Armed resistance and the bloody Liberation War began. After nine months, at the cost of lakhs of lives, glorious victory was achieved."

The President made these remarks in a message on the occasion of 'Genocide Day' on March 25.

He said, "Tomorrow is the fateful March 25, Genocide Day. On this dark night in 1971, the Pakistani occupation forces carried out indiscriminate killings of unarmed, sleeping freedom-loving people under the guise of 'Operation Searchlight'. At midnight, countless members of Rajarbagh Police Lines and the then EPR, students, teachers, intellectuals, workers and countless innocent people at Dhaka University and across the country fell victim to this brutal genocide. On this day, I remember all the martyrs with gratitude and pay deep respect for their extraordinary contributions."

The President said the younger generation must know clearly about this brutal barbarity of history, as well as our nation's saga of glory and valour. They must be inspired by it.

He said, "After many years, through a free, fair and acceptable election, the long-cherished right to vote has been re-established. A democratic government has been established by the people's verdict. The government has begun implementing various programmes and initiatives to build a discrimination-free, democratic, humane and self-reliant Bangladesh."

The President said the martyrs of the Liberation War aspired and dreamt of building a humane, democratic and justice-based state – one free from discrimination, deprivation, misrule, corruption, injustice and inequity. He called upon all, regardless of religion, caste, party or opinion, to work together and be inspired by patriotism to fulfil the spirit and aspirations of the martyrs.

He prayed for the salvation of the souls of all martyrs of the motherland, including those of March 25.