A one-minute symbolic "blackout" will be observed on March 25 throughout the country marking the Genocide Day.

The blackout programme will be observed for one minute from 11:00pm to 11:01pm on the night of March 25 across the country to pay homage to those who were killed in "Operation Searchlight" launched by Pakistani occupation forces on the dreadful night of March 25, 1971.

However, establishments of emergency services will remain out of the purview of the programme, said a press release.

On the occasion of Genocide Day, the president and prime minister will issue special messages.

A discussion meeting will be held on March 25 at 10:30am at the Liberation War Museum.

Genocide and Liberation War related ballads and cultural programmes will be organised across the country. Rare photographs and documentaries on the genocide will be disseminated in all city corporations, including Dhaka.

Commemoration and discussions on the genocide will be held in presence of the eminent personas and freedom fighters in all educational institutions.

Special prayers for the forgiveness of the souls of those killed on the night of March 25, 1971, will be held in all mosques and other places of worship on this day after Zohr prayers or at convenient times.

Programmes will also be held at the district and upazila levels and at Bangladesh embassies abroad to highlight the significance of the day.

As the decision has been taken by the government for implementing the national programmes commemorating the Genocide Day, all the countrymen and concerned public-private organisations have been requested to implement the programmes with due dignity, added the release.