Independence Day today

Bangladesh is all set to celebrate the 53rd Independence and National Day today in a befitting manner through paying homage to the martyrs of Liberation War and taking a vow to materialise their dreams.

On March 26, 1971, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman proclaimed Bangladesh’s independence following the crackdown on unarmed Bangalees at night on March 25 by Pakistani occupation forces.

After a nine-month War of Liberation with the supreme sacrifices of three million people and the honour of 2,00,000 women, Bangladesh finally achieved its victory on December 16, 1971.

The government has taken elaborate programmes marking 51 years of independence. Besides, different political parties, including ruling Awami League, as well as socio-cultural and professional organisations have also taken various programmes to observe the day in a befitting manner.

The day is a public holiday.

The day’s programmes will begin by heralding gun salutes early in the morning as a mark of profound respect for the heroic struggle of this nation, which suffered a protracted subjugation under foreign rules from time to time till achieving its coveted Independence in 1971.

The national flag will be hoisted atop all government, semi-government, autonomous and private buildings with the rises of the sun while all streets and important city intersections will be decorated with national and multi-coloured miniature flags and festoons.

Bands of different forces will play music at different important points in Dhaka.

Important buildings and establishments as well as city streets and islands will be illuminated with colourful lights.

The National Martyrs’ Memorial at Savar was the main venue of the day’s celebration.

President Md Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina placed wreaths early in the morning as a mark of profound respect to the memories of the martyrs.

People from all walks of life, including families of Bir Shreshthas, war-wounded freedom fighters, members of the diplomatic corps, leaders of different political parties, and social, cultural and professional bodies, also laid wreaths at the national memorial in the morning of the day.

On the occasion, President M Abdul Hamid and his wife Rashida Khanam will host a reception at the Bangabhaban on Sunday.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will join the reception on the lawn of the the Bangabhaban at about 5pm.

President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will cut a cake on the occasion of the day. They will exchange greetings with the injured freedom fighters and other dignitaries and guests at the function. Later, the reception will be followed by an iftar party.

National dailies brought out special supplements while Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television, private radio stations and television channels will air month-long special programmes on the Liberation War and highlighting the significance of the day.

Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Bangla Academy, National Museum, Liberation War Museum, Bangladesh Shishu Academy and other social and cultural organisations will arrange discussions, cultural programmes and sports competitions while painting competitions for children, and essay and debate competitions will be organised.

Liberation War-based documentaries and movies will be screened at cinema halls across the country.

A reception will be accorded to the freedom fighters and the members of martyred freedom fighters at city, zilla and upazila levels while Bangladesh Postal Office will publish commemorating postal stamps.

Special prayers will be offered at all mosques, temples, churches and other places of worship across the country seeking divine blessings for the eternal peace of the departed souls of Father of the Nation, four national leaders, martyrs of the War of Liberation and all other patriotic sons of the soil.

Improved meals will be served to the inmates of hospitals, jails, old homes and orphanage centres to mark the day. The country’s all children’s parks and museums will remain open for all.

Ships of Bangladesh Navy and Coast Guard will be kept open for the public at Chittagong, Khulna, Mongla and Payra ports and Dhaka’s Sadarghat, Narayanganj’s Pagla, Barisal and Chandpur BIWTA dockside from 9am to 2pm on the day.

The missions abroad will also celebrate the day through similar programmes.

Every year, March 26 brings the most tragic reminiscence of history’s blackest episode that heralded a nine-month bloody ordeal from the night of March 25, 1971, achieving the long-cherished independence on December 16 the same year at the cost of a sea of blood.