Today is the 53rd Independence Day of Bangladesh. The nation is ready to celebrate this special day in a befitting manner.
On this day 53 years ago, the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, declared Bangladesh’s independence from Pakistan, which was followed by a united people taking part in the Liberation War.
After a nine-month war, Bangladesh was liberated on December 16, 1971, and the newborn nation started its journey with the loss of more than three million martyrs.
The government has organized elaborate programs at the national level to celebrate this special day.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina addressed the nation on Monday evening on the occasion of Independence and National Day 2024.
Apart from the government, various political, cultural, and social organizations have already organized elaborate programs to mark this historic day.
According to BSS, the day's program will commence with a gun salute early in the morning as a mark of profound respect for the heroic struggle of this nation, which suffered protracted subjugation under foreign rule until achieving its coveted independence in 1971.
The national flag will be hoisted atop all government, semi-government, autonomous, and private buildings at sunrise, while all streets and important city intersections will be decorated with national and multi-coloured miniature flags and festoons.
Bands from different forces will play music at various important points in Dhaka.
Important buildings and establishments, as well as city streets and islands, will be illuminated with colourful lights.
The National Martyrs' Memorial at Savar will be the main venue of the day's celebration.
President Mohammad Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will place wreaths there early in the morning as a mark of profound respect for those martyred in the Liberation War.
People from all walks of life, including families of the Bir Sreshtho, war-wounded freedom fighters, members of the diplomatic corps, and leaders of different political parties, social, cultural, and professional bodies, will also lay wreaths at the national memorial in the morning.
National dailies are publishing special supplements, while Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television, private radio stations, and television channels will air special programs on the Liberation War, highlighting the significance of the day.
Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Bangla Academy, National Museum, Liberation War Museum, Bangladesh Shishu Academy, and other social and cultural organizations will arrange discussions, cultural programs, and sports competitions, while painting competitions, essay and debate competitions will be organized for children.
Liberation War-based documentaries and movies will be screened at cinema halls across the country.
Receptions will be accorded to freedom fighters and members of martyred freedom fighters’ families at city, district, and upazila levels, while the Bangladesh Post Office will publish commemorative postal stamps.
Special prayers will be offered at all mosques, temples, churches, and other places of worship across the country, seeking divine blessings for the eternal peace of the departed souls of the Father of the Nation, four national leaders, martyrs of the War of Liberation, and all other patriotic sons of the soil.
Improved meals will be served to the inmates of hospitals, jails, old homes, and orphanage centres to mark the day. All children's parks and museums in the country will remain open for all.
Ships of the Bangladesh Navy and Coast Guard will be kept open for the public at Chittagong, Khulna, Mongla, and Payra ports, and Dhaka's Sadarghat, Narayanganj's Pagla, Barisal, and Chandpur BIWTA dockside from 9 am to 2 pm on the day.
Similar programs at district and upazila levels and Bangladesh embassies in different countries will be arranged to highlight the significance of Independence Day.
