The nation is set to celebrate the 55th Independence and National Day on Wednesday with extensive programs and deep reverence for the heroes who fought for Bangladesh’s freedom.
On March 26, 1971, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared Bangladesh's independence, following the brutal crackdown by Pakistani occupation forces on the night of March 25. After a nine-month Liberation War, marked by the sacrifice of three million lives and the suffering of two lakh women, Bangladesh emerged as an independent nation on December 16, 1971.
The interim government has planned extensive programs to commemorate the day. The morning will begin with a 31-gun salute across the country, including in Dhaka, according to the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs.
President Md. Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus will pay tribute to the martyrs of 1971 by laying wreaths at the National Memorial in Savar. Families of Birsreshtha recipients, war-wounded veterans, and other freedom fighters will also join the tribute.
Dignitaries, political leaders, diplomats, and representatives from various social and cultural organizations will participate in the nationwide homage. In addition, floral tributes will be laid at district and upazila-level memorials.
The national flag will be hoisted at government and private institutions, with student parades, cultural programs, and special exhibitions taking place across the country. Dhaka’s major roads, public buildings, and landmarks will be adorned with decorations and lighting, except on March 25, when the nation observes a solemn remembrance of the genocide night.
Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television, and private media outlets will broadcast special programs, while newspapers will publish special supplements highlighting the significance of the day.
In his message, the president said on March 26, 1971, through the Declaration of Independence, an independent and sovereign Bangladesh was born. The final victory was achieved through a nine-month-long armed War of Independence.
Recalling with deep respect the millions of martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the liberation war, the president said "To achieve the desired goal of independence, democracy must be strengthened and forbearance, human rights and the rule of law have to be consolidated. Equity, transparency and accountability must be ensured in all spheres of the state and society. The young generation once again shed their blood in the July mass uprising to realise our unfulfilled dreams of independence. Building a safe, happy, beautiful, developed and prosperous Bangladesh for the new generation is now our sacred duty."
He also urged all to contribute more from their respective positions to build a society free from all forms of discrimination and exploitation in realising the goal of independence and steer the country and the nation forward on the path of development and prosperity.
In his message, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus said "I extend my sincere greetings and congratulations to all Bangladeshis living in the country and abroad."
Achieving independence was the final stage of a long struggle to protect our dignity and existence and to gain our rights. The bloody War of Independence, through which Bangladesh emerged as an independent nation in the world, officially began on this day. I remember with reverence the valiant martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the War of Independence, whose supreme sacrifices brought us our desired freedom, he said.
"For the past 16 years, the people of the country have not been able to enjoy the benefits of this freedom. The dictatorship oppressed the people and took away their freedom and all their basic rights. The successful uprising of student-workers and the masses has liberated the people of the country from the tyranny of dictatorship," said the message
The interim government is fully committed to further developing and strengthening the country and delivering the full benefits of independence to the people. "We are working to establish good governance and justice to ensure people-orientated and sustainable development, and ensure transparency and accountability through necessary reforms in all spheres of the state."
He also urged all to take the oath to work for the development, peace and prosperity of the country, keeping in mind the spirit of the great liberation war.
