Dhaka: For the third successive year, the government has decided to observe a one-minute ‘blackout’ programme on the night of March 25, marking the ‘Genocide Day’.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal came up with the information after a meeting at the conference room of the ministry in presence of top officials of the law enforcement agencies on observing the ‘Genocide Day’ on March 25 and the Independence Day on March 26, reports the UNB.

The ‘blackout’ programme will be observed for one minute from 9:00 pm on March 25, he said.

Everyone will switch their light off. The information about the programme will be disseminated through media. Additional security measures will also be taken on the occasion, said the Minister.

However, establishments of emergency services will remain out of the purview of the programme, said Asaduzzaman.

Besides, measures will be taken to maintain security at Savar National Mausoleum, Martyred Intellectuals Memorial at Rayerbazar and Suhrawardy Udyan, he said.

A march-past program will be held at Bangabandhu National Stadium to observe the Independence Day and National Day, the minister added.

‘We must ensure that flags are hoisted properly. The size and color to be used for making the flags will be monitored,’ he said.

The Minister also said that there will be arrangements for transporting the foreign diplomats.

Medical services, water supply and utility services will be ensured for holding the programmes peacefully, he said.

A special diet will be provided in jails, hospitals and orphanages marking the day.

Replying to a question about the Chawkbazar fire incident, the Minister said, probe report will be released within the shortest possible time as it’s almost ready.

‘All chemical godowns in Old Dhaka must be removed despite all barriers,’ he assured.

In 2017, the government officially declared March 25 as ‘Genocide Day’, marking the widespread killings by Pakistani Army on the unarmed Bengalis on the black night of March 25, 1971.