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Colourful programmes to mark Independence Day today

Published : Wednesday, 26 March, 2025 at 12:00 AM  Count : 406
Staff Correspondent
The nation is poised to celebrate its 55th Independence and National Day today (Wednesday) with extensive programmes organised at the national level by the interim government, as well as various political, social, and cultural organisations.

Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus shared messages on Tuesday to mark the occasion. According to the government schedule, he will lay a wreath at the National Memorial in Savar early in the morning as a tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War.

Led by Liberation War Affairs Adviser Farooq-e-Azam, people from all walks of life-including families of the Bir Shreshthas, war-wounded freedom fighters, members of the diplomatic corps, and leaders from political, social, cultural, and professional bodies-will also place wreaths at the National Memorial to honour the fallen freedom fighters.

For the first time, President Mohammed Sahabuddin will not partake in the wreath-laying ceremony at the National Memorial in Savar, nor will he issue a greeting message for the people, due to the changed political context. Wreath-laying ceremonies will, however, take place at district and upazila-level martyrs' memorials across the country.

The celebrations will feature the hoisting of the national flag atop government, semi-government, autonomous, and private buildings across all divisions, districts, and upazilas at dawn. Additionally, national anthem recitals, student assemblies, and parades will be held at divisional, district, and upazila levels.

To commemorate the day, significant buildings and establishments will be illuminated with colourful lights, while main streets and road islands across Dhaka and other cities will be adorned with national and multi-coloured flags and festoons. The festivities will begin with a 31-gun salute early in the morning, symbolising respect for the nation's historic struggle for independence from foreign rule, culminating in 1971.

Bands from different forces will perform music at key locations in Dhaka, and city streets and intersections will be decorated with miniature flags and festoons. The National Memorial in Savar will serve as the focal point for the celebrations.

March 26 remains a solemn day of remembrance, marking the tragic events that launched a nine-month struggle for independence, achieved on 16 December 1971 through immense sacrifice. The day recalls the military crackdown that began on the night of 25 March 1971, when Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the undisputed leader of the then Pakistan, declared Bangladesh's independence from his historic residence at Road-32, Dhanmondi, Dhaka. The declaration was transmitted via East Pakistan Rifles (EPR) wireless at 00:30 hours on 26 March.

Following his call for resistance against the Pakistani forces, Bangabandhu was arrested and imprisoned in West Pakistan for nine months. The declaration of independence was later aired from Kalurghat Radio Station in Chattogram by Awami League leader MA Hannan and, subsequently, by Major Ziaur Rahman on behalf of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

The Pakistani military's atrocities on the night of 25 March led to the merciless killing of hundreds of innocent Bangalees, including teachers, students, police, soldiers, pedestrians, and rickshaw-pullers. Responding to Bangabandhu's call, the nation began its War of Liberation on 26 March.

Bangladesh emerged as an independent and sovereign nation on 16 December 1971 following the surrender of the Pakistani occupation forces. During the nine-month Liberation War, three million civilians were killed, two lakh Bengali women subjected to atrocities, and thousands of houses were burned to the ground.

The day is observed as a public holiday.

In his message, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus reaffirmed the interim government's unwavering commitment to strengthening the country and ensuring that the people fully benefit from independence. "We are working to establish good governance and justice, foster people-oriented and sustainable development, and ensure transparency and accountability through necessary reforms across all spheres of the state," he stated.

Professor Yunus extended heartfelt greetings and congratulations to all Bangladeshis, both at home and abroad. He highlighted that the struggle for independence was the culmination of a long-standing effort to uphold dignity, existence, and rights. He said, "The War of Independence, which officially began on this day, marked the emergence of Bangladesh as an independent nation on the world stage."

Paying homage to the martyrs of the war, he remarked, "I remember with reverence the valiant martyrs whose supreme sacrifices brought us our cherished freedom." Reflecting on the country's journey, he noted that for 16 years, the people could not enjoy the fruits of independence due to dictatorship, which suppressed their freedom and rights. "The successful uprising of students, workers, and the masses liberated the country from the tyranny of dictatorship," he added.

Professor Yunus called upon everyone to take an oath to work for Bangladesh's development, peace, and prosperity, guided by the spirit of the Liberation War.

To commemorate the day, national dailies will publish special supplements, articles, and periodicals, while electronic media will broadcast month-long programmes focusing on the Liberation War. Cultural and social organisations such as Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Bangla Academy, National Museum, Liberation War Museum, and Bangladesh Shishu Academy have planned discussions, cultural events, drawing and essay-writing competitions, sports events, and screenings of documentaries and films related to the Liberation War.

District and upazila-level events will include various games, such as football, T20 cricket, and kabaddi. Freedom fighters and the families of martyred individuals will be honoured at receptions held at metropolitan city, district, and upazila levels.

The Bangladesh Postal Department will issue commemorative postage stamps, and special prayers will be held at mosques and places of worship, seeking eternal peace for the martyrs and the nation's progress and prosperity.

Improved meals will be provided in hospitals, prison cells, orphanages, old-age homes, shelters, childcare centres, and similar institutions nationwide. Children's parks and museums will remain open for free to all visitors.

The Bangladesh Navy will mark the day by opening its ships for public visits at various locations. Seven ships, including BNS Chitra at Dhaka Sadarghat and BNS Atandra at Pagla Naval Jetty in Narayanganj, among others, will be available for public viewing from 12 noon to 4 pm, according to an ISPR press release. Similar programmes will also be held at district and upazila levels, as well as at Bangladesh missions abroad.



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