Mohammed Shahabuddin and Tarique Rahman to lead tributes as country marks March 26 with gun salute, flag hoisting and cultural events

UNB:

The nation is set to celebrate this year’s Independence and National Day on Thursday with elaborate programs and due respect.

The armed struggle for national independence formally began in the early hours of March 26, following the brutal crackdown on the unarmed Bengalis on the “black night” of March 25. Thus, March 26 is celebrated as Independence Day and National Day.

After the nine-month War of Liberation with the supreme sacrifices of three million people and at the cost of the chastity of two lakh women, Bangladesh achieved its cherished independence on December 16, 1971.

The day is a public holiday.

The government has taken up elaborate programs at the national level to celebrate Independence Day and National Day.

The day will begin with a 31-gun salute in the morning across the country, including in Dhaka.

President Md Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will lay wreaths early in the morning to pay profound respect to the memories of the martyrs of 1971.

Later, the families of the Birsreshtha, war-wounded freedom fighters, and brave freedom fighters led by the Liberation War Affairs adviser will also lay wreaths.

People from all walks of life, including foreign diplomats, political leaders, and representatives from social, cultural, and professional bodies, will lay wreaths at the National Memorial.

The national flag will be hoisted, and the national anthem will be performed at all divisions, districts, and upazilas. Student rallies and parades will also take place.

On this day, the national flag will be hoisted atop all government, semi-government, autonomous, and private buildings.

In Dhaka, the national flag will be hoisted atop prominent buildings, and the important establishments will be illuminated.

President Md Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman have issued separate messages on the occasion.

National dailies will bring out special supplements while Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television, private radio stations and television channels will air special programs highlighting the significance of the day.

Different political parties, as well as socio-cultural and professional organizations, have drawn elaborate programs to observe the day in a befitting manner.

Besides, ships of the Bangladesh Navy and Bangladesh Coast Guard will be open to visitors at major rivers and ports, including Chittagong Port, Mongla Port and Payra Port, as well as river terminals such as Sadarghat, Pagla Ghat and Barishal Launch Terminal from 9am to sunset. Coast Guard vessels will also be open to visitors at Chandpur and Munshiganj launch ghats.

To mark the day, commemorative postage stamps will be issued. Exhibition football matches, T20 cricket tournaments, kabaddi and ha-du-du competitions will be organised at the district and upazila level.

Cinema halls across the country will screen Liberation War-based films free of charge, while government and private museums will remain open to visitors without tickets from morning to evening.

Recreational centres for children will also remain open.

Cultural programs will be held at tourist spots nationwide. Special prayers will be offered at mosques, temples, churches, pagodas and other places of worship seeking eternal peace for martyred freedom fighters, good health for living freedom fighters and national progress.

Special meals will be arranged at the government hospitals, prisons, rehabilitation centres, orphanages, disability welfare centres, old-age homes and daycare centres across the country to mark the day.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin extended his heartfelt greetings and warm felicitations to all Bangladeshis at home and abroad.

In his message, the president said: “The adverse impacts of prolonged misgovernance, global economic challenges, and unexpected energy crises continue to affect our country and its people. The government remains committed to addressing these challenges with utmost sincerity and competence while pursuing efforts to build a self-reliant, dynamic, and just Bangladesh. At this moment, strong national unity, mutual empathy, and patriotism are of paramount importance.”

He also called upon the people of our country, regardless of party, opinion, or path, to work together in building a just, self-reliant, secure, and productive Bangladesh for present and future generations.

In his message, prime minister Tarique Rahman said: “On the occasion of the great Independence and National Day, 26 March, I extend my heartfelt greetings and congratulations to the people of Bangladesh at all levels, as well as to all Bangladeshis living abroad.”

“On this day, I remember with profound respect the nation’s finest sons, whose sacrifices enabled us to achieve an independent and sovereign Bangladesh. At the same time, I recall with deep gratitude the brave freedom fighters who took part in the Liberation War, the mothers, sisters who suffered oppression and all those who devoted themselves to the struggle for independence. I pray for the eternal peace of the departed souls of all the martyrs,” he said.

“Independence Day inspires us anew with the spirit of courage, sacrifice and patriotism. The fundamental goal of independence was to establish a Bangladesh that is free from discrimination, and to be democratic, peaceful and prosperous,” he added.

He also urged all to work together and continue to move the country forward and uphold the spirit of national unity, mutual tolerance and patriotism.

He also wished success to all programs organized on the occasion of the Independence Day and National Day.