Photo: MEHEDI HASAN

It was on this day, 48 years ago, that the worst, ugliest side of humanity came out



It was a day of unspeakable horrors.

On March 25, 1971, the Pakistan army, along with its local collaborators, deliberately and systematically murdered a vast number of Bengalis, including students, teachers, and people from all walks of life.

Operation Searchlight, as it was called, was such a disgraceful move on Pakistan’s part that words fail when describing the size and extent of the atrocity.

Our parliament declared the day as Genocide Day in 2017, and although the day is yet to be recognized by the United Nations, it ought to be observed as a solemn day of introspection, remembrance, and mourning, not just for Bangladeshis, but for all of humanity.

For it was on this day, 48 years ago, that the worst, ugliest side of humanity came out -- innocent, defenseless people, mowed down by gunfire by a cold and calculating army; houses set on fire, property and businesses destroyed, women raped, lives shattered.

Pakistan, of course, continues to deny all the atrocities committed against the Bangladeshi people, and even almost half a century later, steadfastly refuses to apologize for its unjustifiable actions; in fact, Pakistan still goes so far as to take sides with war criminals, showing clearly that the country is not interested in building bridges or healing wounds.

Never again, we say after any atrocity, and it is our solemn duty, not just as Bangladeshis but as human beings, to uphold and repeat the truth of March 25, so that brutality on this scale never happens again, to anyone.