The government of Bangladesh has decided not to observe the planned one-minute symbolic blackout on the night of 25 March, marking Genocide Day, according to an announcement from the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs on Tuesday.
In a message circulated to the media, the ministry’s Public Relations Officer MA Khayer confirmed that the nationwide blackout programme would not take place as previously scheduled.
However, no explanation was provided for the sudden change in decision, leaving many observers uncertain about the reasons behind the cancellation.
The symbolic blackout has traditionally been observed as a mark of respect for the victims of the atrocities carried out during Operation Searchlight.
On the night of 25 March 1971, Pakistani occupation forces launched a brutal military crackdown across the country, leading to widespread killings and destruction.
The annual observance is intended to honour the memory of those who lost their lives during that tragic period.
Just a day earlier, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had announced that the blackout would be observed nationwide from 10:30pm to 10:31pm on 25 March. As in previous years, key point installations (KPIs), emergency services, and foreign diplomatic missions were to remain outside the scope of the programme.
Despite the cancellation of the blackout, Genocide Day will continue to be observed through other commemorative activities, reflecting the nation’s commitment to remembering one of the darkest chapters in its history.
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