The 56th Independence and National Day was observed across the country on Thursday in a befitting manner.
The armed struggle for independence formally began in the early hours of March 26, 1971, following the brutal crackdown on unarmed people on the 'Black Night' of March 25. Thus, March 26 is observed as the Independence and National Day.
After a nine-month War of Liberation and the supreme sacrifices of three million people, Bangladesh achieved its cherished independence on December 16, 1971.
Different districts have taken elaborate programmes to observe the day with due respect.
In Tangail, the district observed the Independence and National Day with due respect and solemnity on Thursday through a series of commemorative events and activities.
The day began at sunrise with a 31-gun salute, followed by the hoisting of the national flag across the district, reports our Tangail correspondent.
Deputy Commissioner Sharifa Haque, representing the government, placed the first wreath at the martyrs’ memorial located near the district headquarters water tank.
She was followed by Superintendent of Police Muhammad Shamsul Alam Sarkar, Zila Parishad Administrator Obaidul Haque Nasir, Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Shahin Mia and representatives from various sectors of society, who paid tribute by laying wreaths.
Special prayers were later offered seeking eternal peace for the departed souls of the martyrs.
Various social, cultural, and political organizations—including the district BNP, district Women’s Party, Tangail Press Club and Print Media Association—also paid homage at the Shaheed Smriti Municipal Park memorial monument.
At 9 am, the national flag was ceremonially hoisted at Shaheed Maruf Stadium, where the national anthem was performed. The event featured participation from students of different educational institutions, along with a parade and a photo exhibition highlighting the spirit of independence.
As part of the day’s observances, improved meals were served at hospitals, government children’s homes, rehabilitation centers for street children, facilities for persons with disabilities, old age homes, and shelters for the homeless.
Additionally, special prayers were organized at the District Shilpakala Academy to honor freedom fighters. Religious institutions across the district—including mosques, temples, churches, and pagodas—held prayers at convenient times, seeking peace, prosperity, and continued development of the nation.
In Bogra, the 56th Independence and National Day was celebrated in the district with due solemnity, patriotic spirit, and colorful programmes, commemorating the heroic sacrifices of the 1971 Liberation War, reports our Bogra correspondent.
Deputy Commissioner Md Taufiqur Rahman paid tribute to the martyrs by laying wreaths at the Fulbari Memorial. People from all walks of life, including officials, professionals, and local residents, also gathered to honor the heroes.
Later, at 8 am, the Deputy Commissioner hoisted the national flag at Shaheed Chandu Stadium as the chief guest, in the presence of senior administrative officials.
A vibrant parade followed, featuring more than 60 disciplined contingents from Bangladesh Police, Ansar and VDP, BNCC, Fire Service and Civil Defence, and members of Scouts and Girls Guides from various educational institutions. The participants performed a march past, saluting the national flag to the rhythm of a band.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner paid deep respect to the martyrs and freedom fighters, as well as to the families who sacrificed during the war. He emphasized that independence represents not only territorial sovereignty but also the values of equality, human dignity, and social justice.
“Achieving independence was difficult, but safeguarding it is even more challenging,” he said, urging the younger generation to uphold patriotism and moral values in building a prosperous Bangladesh.
The programme concluded with the distribution of prizes among the winners of the parade and display events. Various government and private institutions across the district also organized day-long programs to mark the historic occasion.
In Rajshahi, the city corporation and district administration along with different political, socio cultural organizations and educational institutions celebrated the 56th Independence and National Day-2026 in a befitting manner, reports our Rajshahi correspondent.
The colourful celebrations began with heralding 31-gun salute at police lines besides hoisting of national flags atop all the public and private buildings at dawn.
Floral wreaths were placed at different Shaheed Memorial Plaques and mausoleums in the city with the sunrise.
Particularly, wreaths were placed at the martyrs' monument on the premises of the Deputy Commissioner's office to pay homage to all the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War.
Land Minister Mizanur Rahman Minu, MP, placed wreaths there. Administrator of Rajshahi City Corporation Mahfuzur Rahman, Commissioner of Rajshahi Division Dr ANM Bazlur Rashid, Deputy Inspector General of Police Dr Muhammad Shahjahan, Commissioner of Rajshahi Metropolitan Police Dr Zillur Rahman and Deputy Commissioner of Rajshahi Afia Akhter, among others, accompanied him.
A programme of hoisting the national flag formally, gathering and march-past was held at Muktijuddho Smrity Stadium.
Besides, the 56th Independence and National Day was observed others districts including Shariatpur, Sherpur, Kishoreganj, Feni, Munshiganj, Pirojpur, Bandarban, Patuakhali, Bagerhat, Comilla, Chandpur, Naogaon, Rajbari, Rangamati, Gopalganj, Chapainawabganj, Manikganj, Sirajganj, Dinajpur, Joypurhat, Gaibandha, Narayanganj, Kushtia, Cox’s Bazar, Habiganj, Natore, Meherpur, Khagrachhari, Sunamganj, Lakshmipur, Narail, Thakurgaon, Panchagarh, Kurigram, Sylhet.
