That night, under “Operation Searchlight,” the main target was Dhaka University, where many students and teachers were killed. 

Attacks also spread to BUET, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Nilkhet, Rajarbagh Police Lines, and the then EPR headquarters in Pilkhana. 

Fires were set in various parts of the capital, and killings spread across the country. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman arrested by Pakistani forces. 

Amid the violence, Major Ziaur Rahman declared independence from Kalurghat radio station in Chattogram.