With a spirited rendering of the National Anthem – Amar Sonar Bangla, Ami Tomai Bhalobasi – by over 2.5 lakh people from all strata in the capital’s National Parade Square, the nation celebrated the 44th Independence and National Day yesterday, paying homage to three million martyrs of the Liberation War, according to our correspondents and news agencies.
The other programmes of the day included placing of wreaths at the National Memorial at Savar, Shikha Chironton (Eternal flame) Suhrawardy Udyan and at the portrait of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Dhanmondi, offering of prayers at mosques, temples, churches, pagodas and all places of worship, seeking welfare of the state and its people, distribution of improved diets to those in hospitals, jails, orphanages and old-age homes, discussions, cultural functions and illumination of important government offices.
Early in the morning, President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on behalf of the state placed wreaths at the National Memorial as a mark of respect to the martyrs.
They stood there in solemn silence for some time, paying glowing tributes to the martyrs.
Hasina along with her party stalwarts and advisory council also laid wreaths at the memorial.
BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and Leader of the Opposition in the Parliament Begum Raushan Ershad separately placed wreaths at the memorial in the morning.
The Chief Justice, cabinet members, lawmakers, chiefs of the three forces, diplomats, high civil and military officials, war-maimed freedom fighters, members of the Bir Shreshtras and martyred families and eminent citizens also paid respect to the martyrs.
Later, Sheikh Hasina and other Awami League leaders also placed wreaths at the portrait of Bangabandhu on Dhanmondi Road 32 in the capital.
The day was a public holiday.
Marking the occasion, important road islands and city intersections were decorated with national flag, miniature flags and colourful lights.
Different institutions and organisations including Shilpakala Academy, Bangladesh Shishu Academy, Sector Commander’s Forum, Sammilito Sangskritik Jote and Nirmul Committee observed the day, holding discussions, candle-light vigil, musical soirees, street dramas, painting shows and poetry recitation sessions.
Bangladesh Postal Department released a commemorative stamp marking the day.
The day was also observed at all the divisional and district headquarters with identical programmes including singing the National Anthem yesterday.
In Chittagong, crowd gathered at Parade Square, Cheragi Pahar, MA Aziz Stadium, Chittagong University, Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology, Patenga beach and many other public places across the port city from the early morning to become the part of the chorus to perform the National Anthem.
The district administrations organised the event in the playground and stadia while students and people of all walks of life attended the event with enthusiasm.
Bangladeshis living in foreign countries also took part in the grand event by singing the National Anthem in their respective places.
