One-min blackout on 25 March night

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said the country would observe a one-minute blackout on the night of March 25 in memory of the history’s worst brutality carried out by the Pakistani Army on the “Black Night” of March 25, 1971.

“Motor vehicles and important structures would remain out of the program of one-minute blackout from 9:00 pm to 9:01 pm on March 25,” he told newsmen after a coordination meeting held at the Home Ministry’s Conference room in the capital today.

The minister said the meeting was held to discuss various issues as to how to observe the genocide day “Gonohattya Dibosh” on March 25 and the Independence Day on March 26 peacefully.

During the blackout program, he said, the power supply would be suspended from 9:00 pm to 9:01 pm across the country.

“We will observe this blackout program only to recall the horror of March 25 night unleashed by the Pakistani barbaric army on the eve of the War of Liberation,” Khan added.

During the blackout program, necessary law enforcement agencies will be engaged to ensure security. They will also ensure tight security for smooth movement to Savar National Mausoleum of the President and the Prime Minister, cabinet members, diplomats and other important persons, he said.

Khan said the government has undertaken all measures to ensure tight security at Savar National Mausoleum and also in the capital city and its adjacent areas on the day.

“Members of the law enforcement agencies have been asked to ensure security on March 25 and March 26,” he said.

Secretary of public security division Mostafa Kamal Uddin, Secretary in charge of Security Services Division Mohammad Shahiduzzaman, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr Javed Patwari, Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Asaduzzaman Miah and high officials attended the meeting.

The government also observed the one-minute blackout last year, the home minister said.

Earlier, the Jatiya Sangsad during its 14th session unanimously adopted a resolution declaring March 25 as the Genocide Day.

DailyBangladesh/Prince