Bangladesh celebrated Independence and National Day on Thursday with a grand parade and aerial display at the National Parade Square in the capital’s old airport area, marking the return of the event after nearly two decades.
Mohammad Shahabuddin attended the program as the chief guest and received the salute as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, according to a press release issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
Tarique Rahman, Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan, Defence Adviser Brig Gen (retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam, Chief of Army Staff Waqar-uz-Zaman, Navy Chief M Nazmul Hassan and Air Chief Hassan Mahmud Khan were present.
The speaker of parliament, cabinet members, MPs, senior civil and military officials, and diplomats also attended the program.
Parade and participation
The parade was organised under the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, directed by the Armed Forces Division and managed by the 9th Infantry Division of the Bangladesh Army.
Freedom fighters, members of the armed forces, paramilitary units and personnel from the Fire Service and Civil Defence took part.
Major General SM Asadul Haque, general officer commanding of the 9th Infantry Division and Savar area commander, led the parade as commander, with Brig Gen Mohammad Shafqat-ul-Islam as deputy commander.
A total of 25 contingents participated, presenting a coordinated march-past and mechanised display showcasing modern military capabilities.
Flypast and displays
A highlight of the event was the flypast conducted by Army Aviation, Naval Aviation, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Air Wing and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), alongside parachute jumps by para commandos.
The Bangladesh Air Force’s aerobatic display featured fighter jets, training aircraft and helicopters performing aerial formations under the theme “We will keep the skies of Bengal free.” Fighter jets released coloured smoke, while a MiG-29 performed a “Victory Roll” in a ceremonial salute.
Ceremony proceedings
The president arrived at the venue around 10am and was welcomed by the prime minister and senior officials. After the national anthem, he received a guard of honour and later inspected the parade in an open jeep.
Various units, including the President Guard Regiment, East Bengal Regiment, Bangladesh Infantry Regiment, artillery, engineers, signals and service contingents, participated in the march-past, along with Navy, Air Force, police and other forces.
A contingent of freedom fighters followed, travelling in open vehicles, while 26 paratroopers descended from around 10,000 feet carrying the national flag.
Public participation and arrangements
Thousands of spectators, including families and children, gathered at the venue, many waving national flags.
Banners, billboards and visual displays highlighting the history of the Liberation War were set up across the parade ground and key roads in the capital.
The event was organised with support from multiple government agencies, including the Public Works Department, Dhaka WASA, Dhaka North City Corporation and others.
Return after long hiatus
The event marked the return of a full-scale Independence Day parade after a gap of 18 years, with preparations beginning earlier this month and concluding with a final rehearsal ahead of the program.