Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has described the March 25 genocide as a "premeditated massacre."

The Prime Minister made these remarks in a message shared on social media on Tuesday (March 24) to mark Genocide Day.

In the message, he stated: "March 25, 1971, is Genocide Day. On this occasion, I pay my deepest respects to all the martyrs. March 25, 1971, stands as a day of infamy and one of the most brutal genocides in the history of a freedom-seeking Bangladesh. On this black night, the Pakistani occupation forces launched 'Operation Searchlight,' carrying out one of history's most horrific massacres against the unarmed, pro-independence people of Bangladesh. They opened fire indiscriminately, killing teachers, intellectuals, and innocent civilians at Dhaka University, Pilkhana, Rajarbagh Police Lines, and various other locations."

The Prime Minister emphasized: "The March 25 genocide was a premeditated massacre. Why this planned slaughter could not be prevented—and the visible role of the political leadership of that time—remains a subject of historical research. However, on the night of March 25, the 8th East Bengal Regiment in Chattogram initiated formal armed resistance against the genocide with the declaration, 'We Revolt.' This resistance marked the beginning of our nine-month armed Liberation War."

He further added: "To convey the value and significance of independence to current and future generations, it is essential to understand the history of March 25 Genocide Day. Let us all strive to honor the sacrifices of the martyrs by establishing the spirit of the Great Liberation War—equality, human dignity, and social justice—within our state and society. Let us work unitedly to build a justice-based, developed, prosperous, self-reliant, and democratic Bangladesh."

In conclusion, he said: