The nation observes the 46th Independence and National Day today with a fresh vow to uphold the spirit of the Liberation War fighting the communal, fundamentalist forces and militants who are out to destroy the country's achievements.
The people will pay homage to the millions of martyrs who gave their lives in Liberation War against Pakistan in 1971.
Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared independence of Bangladesh through EPR wireless at 00-30 hours on March 26 (the night following March 25) in 1971 from his Dhanmondi-32 house.
He also called upon the people to build up strong resistance against the Pakistani barbaric occupation forces. The Pakistani military junta in a bid to stop the legitimate movement of the Bengalis arrested Bangabandhu on that night following his declaration of Independence.
Every year, the day brings the most tragic reminiscences of the history's blackest episode that heralded a nine-month bloody ordeal from the night following March 25, 1971 in achieving the long-cherished independence on December 16, the same year at the cost of a sea of blood.
The Pakistani military junta in their monstrous outburst unleashed a bloody holocaust breaking the silence of the night following March 25, 1971. They mercilessly killed hundreds of innocent sleeping people including teachers, students, police, soldiers, pedestrians and rickshaw-pullers here.
Bangabandhu's declaration of independence was soon put on air by wireless. The declaration was first broadcast by Awami League leader MA Hannan from Kalurghat Radio Station in port city Chittagong on March 26, 1971.
On March 27, 1971, the then Major Ziaur Rahman announced the proclamation of independence on behalf of great leader Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman from the same radio station.
On the eve of the Independence Day, President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages calling upon the nation to uphold the spirit of the War of Liberation to fulfil the dreams of the valiant Freedom Fighters, who embraced martyrdom for the cause of their beloved motherland.
The day's programmes will be heralded with a 31-gun salute early in the morning as a mark of respect to the heroic struggle of this nation, which suffered a protracted subjugation under foreign rules from time to time till achieving their coveted Independence in 1971, said a release.
The National Memorial at Savar will be the main venue of the celebration of the day where President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will place wreaths in the early morning as a mark of profound respect to the memories of the martyrs.
Besides, families of Bir Shreshthas, war wounded freedom fighters, members of the diplomatic corps, leaders of different political parties, social, cultural and professional bodies and people from all walks of life will lay wreaths at the National Memorial also in the morning.
The day is a public holiday. The national flag will fly atop all government and private buildings while all streets and important city intersections will be tastefully decorated with national and multi-coloured miniature flags and festoons.
Important buildings and establishments as well as city streets and islands will be illuminated with colourful lights. A children's rally will be held at Bangabandhu National Stadium at 9 am on the occasion.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to attend the rally as the chief guest where she will inspect the march-past of the children and take salute.
National dailies will bring out special supplements while Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television, private radio stations and television channels will air special programmes highlighting the significance of the day.
Special prayers will be offered in 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 diets will be served for the inmates of hospitals, jails, old homes and other public institutions to mark the day.
Different political parties as well as socio-cultural and professional organisations have drawn up elaborate programmes to observe the day in a befitting manner.
The programmes include hoisting of the national flag, placing of wreaths at the National Memorial at Savar, offering of special prayer, holding of seminars, discussions and cultural functions.
The ruling Bangladesh Awami League has chalked out elaborate programmes to observe the Independence Day.
The programme includes hoisting of the national flag and party flag at the Bangabandhu Bhaban and party offices across the country at dawn, placing of wreaths at the National Memorial at Savar at 6 am and at the portrait of Bangabandhu at Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi in the city at 7 am.
Besides, leaders and workers of Awami League and associate bodies will lay wreaths at Bangabandhu's Mazar at Tungipara in Gopalganj district, where milad and doa mahfils also will be organised to mark the day.
The Awami League will also hold a discussion at the auditorium of Krishibid Institution Bangladesh at Khamar Bari at Farm Gate in the capital city at 3.30 pm.
Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to chair the discussion.
Besides, leaders and workers of Awami League and associate bodies will lay wreaths at Bangabandhu's Mazar at Tungipara in Gopalganj district, where milad and doa mahfils also will be organised to mark the day.
Bangladesh Navy Ships will remain open for visitors at Dhaka, Chittagong, Khulna and Barisal from 2:00pm to 4:30 pm on the occasion of the Day.
National Press Club will organize a discussion marking the day at 10 am followed by cultural function, said general secretary Quamrul Islam Chowdhury. Dhaka Reporters Unity will place wreaths at the National Memorial at Savar where DRU President Jamal Uddin and General Secretary Raju Ahmed will be present.
Mahanagar Sharbojanin Puja Committee will offer a special prayer at 11 am for the peace and welfare of the people and the country marking the Independence Day where Suranjit Sengupta, MP, is scheduled to be present.