The National Memorial in Savar is fully prepared to honour the nation’s greatest heroes on Independence Day.
The entire site, including the monument and minaret, has been adorned with vibrant spring flowers, creating a picturesque tribute ahead of the 55th anniversary of Bangladesh’s independence.
The nation will commemorate its freedom, with various political parties, organizations, and cultural institutions organizing programs to mark the occasion on Wednesday.
The president, chief adviser, other members of the Advisory Council, and high-ranking government officials will lay wreaths at the National Memorial in Savar to pay tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War.
Thousands of people are also expected to gather at the site to pay their respects.
Security and beautification efforts
Security has been heightened around the memorial for the occasion.
The Public Works Department has spent over a month beautifying the premises, cleaning the brick pathways, mass graves, and the martyr's altar.
The entire area has been repainted, while the lawns and gardens have been meticulously maintained to create a visually striking setting.
Visiting the memorial on Sunday, workers were seen giving the final touches to the preparations — planting grass, washing the memorial square, and painting the steps leading to the altar.
New flower plants have been added alongside the older ones, and colourful lights now decorate the surrounding buildings.
Abdul Matin, a worker planting flower seedlings, expressed his pride in being part of the preparations, saying: “The memorial holds the graves of our martyrs. It is a symbol of our independence, and I feel honoured to work here.”
Mizanur Rahman, deputy assistant engineer of the Savar Public Works Department and in-charge of the National Memorial, said that all necessary arrangements — including flower decorations, painting, CCTV installations, lighting, and lake repairs — have been completed.
More than 100 workers were engaged in the preparations, which began a month and a half ago.
To ensure security, visitor entry to the memorial has been restricted since March 16. It will reopen to the public after the president and chief adviser pay their respects on Wednesday.
Dhaka District Additional Superintendent of Police (Savar Circle) Md Shahinur Kabir said around 4,000 police personnel will be deployed to maintain security. The Dhaka-Aricha Highway has been divided into 12 sectors, spanning from Amin Bazar in Savar upazila to Gonoshasthaya Kendra, with police assigned to each sector.
To facilitate the official ceremonies, transport owners have been requested to halt vehicle movement on the highway from 5:30am to 7:30am on Wednesday.
Normal traffic will resume after 7:30am, with alternative routes advised for commuters during that period.