Today marks Chuknagar Genocide Day, commemorating the largest and most horrific mass killing that took place in Chuknagar during the Liberation War of 1971.
To honor the victims, the local administration and the Chuknagar Ganahattya Smrity Rakkha Parisad have organized various programs, including wreath-laying ceremonies at the Chuknagar Smritishoudha — a memorial built in memory of those killed in the massacre — and discussions reflecting on the tragic event.
The victory of December 16, 1971, came after nine months of relentless armed resistance by the nation, but this period was marred by numerous genocides.
Among them, the Chuknagar massacre stands out as the deadliest, with at least 10,000 people reportedly killed within hours.
There is no official record of the exact number of casualties at Chuknagar, but most eyewitnesses estimate the death toll to be over 10,000.
This figure is supported by the detailed account of freedom fighter and local commander S M Babar Ali in his book Swadhinatar Durjoy Abhijan.
