The Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) has issued fresh instructions to all educational institutions across the country to observe March 25 as Genocide Day and March 26 as Independence and National Day with due solemnity and respect. The directive, signed by Md. Khalid Hossain, Assistant Director (General Administration) of DSHE, was communicated on Monday (March 17) and sent to the heads of all educational institutions on Sunday (March 16).

According to the instructions, educational institutions must organize programs such as the national anthem, flag hoisting, discussions, and parades to mark the occasions. On March 25, schools and colleges are to arrange reminiscence sessions and discussions on the genocide and the Liberation War, featuring distinguished personalities or freedom fighters.

For March 26, Independence and National Day, the DSHE has mandated the hoisting of the national flag, singing of the national anthem, and organizing student assemblies and parades at 9:00 AM in all divisions, districts, and upazilas. Additionally, from March 20 to March 25, national-level essay and recitation competitions are to be held at convenient times.

The DSHE also instructed that from March 1 to March 23, districts and upazilas should organize sports events, including football, T-20 cricket, kabaddi, and ha-du-du, with the participation of students from schools, colleges, and other institutions.

Despite March 26 being a public holiday, all government officials and employees are required to participate in state programs to ensure the day is observed with dignity. Educational institutions must ensure student participation in flag hoisting, the national anthem, and parades. Important government, semi-government, autonomous, and private buildings are to be illuminated, and the national flag must be hoisted at sunrise on all such buildings.

These measures aim to honor the sacrifices of the Liberation War and instill a sense of patriotism among students and citizens.