Rabindra Mohan Das spent the entire evening yesterday watching live on television the programmes celebrating 50 years of the country's independence.

He was enthralled to see the colourful events held in the presence of global leaders who were lauding the socio-economic progress of Bangladesh.

Yet he was continuously distracted by the memories of the horror unleashed by the Pakistan army on the students and staff of Dhaka University's Jagannath Hall on the night of March 25, 1971.

"How could I forget it? The atrocities of the Pakistan military are flashing through my mind. As March 25 arrives every year, I feel restless. I get goosebumps recalling the bloodbath," said Rabindra.

On that fateful night, the Pakistan army launched the "Operation Searchlight" and mercilessly killed the Bangalee members of East Pakistan Rifles and police, students and teachers as well as thousands of common people in Dhaka city.