Black Night revisited

Nation celebrates Independence Day today
The horrors of March 25 night return to haunt the nation as it observes the 4oth Independence Day today, but this time with a mixed emotion of joy and worry as the government is set to start the process of trying war criminals.
Now, the nation waits for quick completion of the trial, for which it has cried last 39 years seeking justice to the genocide of 1971, the most tragic chapters in the global history of genocide.
People from all walks of life, holding rallies, meetings and processions yesterday urged the government to remain alert so that anti-liberation forces cannot obstruct the trial process.
The nation passed a time of uncertainty and worry until the government formally launched the process of trial yesterday afternoon.
Different organisations including Ekattorer Ghatak Dalal Nirmul Committee brought out torch and candlelight processions from Central Shaheed Minar yesterday afternoon before paying tribute to Jagannath Hall Baddhabhumi.
Sector Commanders Forum also observed the night at Shikha Chirantan of Suhrawardy Udyan in the city from 10:00pm to 12:00am.
Every year the Black Night of March 25, 1971 evokes the painful memories of how thousands of unarmed and innocent Bangalees were slaughtered by the Pakistani invading forces in 1971.
On this night, the Pakistani military rulers launched the “Operation Search Light”, leaving some 7,000 Bangalees killed.
The University of Dhaka, being the bastion of protracted struggle of the repressed of the country, faced severe wrath of the Pakistani army as students, teachers and employees were exterminated in their hundreds.
On March 26, the nation waged an armed struggle against the Pakistani forces following the declaration of independence by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
The nine-month Liberation War culminated in emergence of Bangladesh.

Courtesy of The Daily Star