Bangladesh started celebrating the 52nd Independence and National Day in the wee hours of Saturday through programs that feature paying homage to the Liberation War martyrs and vowing to materialize their dreams.
On March 26, 1971, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman proclaimed Bangladesh's independence following the crackdown on unarmed Bangalees at midnight on March 25 by the Pakistani occupation forces, styled “Operation Searchlight”.
After a nine-month-long war and the supreme sacrifices of more than three million people and the honour of over 200,000 women, Bangladesh finally achieved its victory on December 16.
The National Day, a public holiday, will begin with a 21-gun salute and placing of wreaths at the National Memorial at Savar, the main venue of the day’s celebration, at dawn in honour of the Liberation War martyrs, reports UNB.
President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will place wreaths at the mausoleum in the morning.
Following suit, people from all walks of life, including families of the gallantry award winners, war-wounded Freedom Fighters, members of the diplomatic corps, leaders of different political parties, social, cultural and professional bodies, also laid wreaths at the memorial paying tribute.
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On Friday, Bangladesh observed a one-minute blackout at 9pm in memory of the martyrs of the “Operation Searchlight”.
On Saturday, the national flag will be hoisted at all government, semi-government, private, autonomous buildings with the sunrise.
All streets and important city intersections have been decorated with miniature national flags and multi-coloured festoons. All the significant buildings, establishments and city streets and islands have also been illuminated with colourful lights, reports BSS.
National dailies have brought out special supplements while Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television, private radio stations and television channels are airing special programs highlighting the day’s significance.
Bangla Academy, Shilpakala Academy, Shishu Academy, National Museum, Liberation War Museum and other social, cultural organizations have arranged seminars, cultural programs, painting and sports competitions for children as well as the screening of films and documentaries on the war.
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The families of freedom fighters and martyrs will be honoured at the city, district and upazila levels. Bangladesh Post Office Department will unveil a special commemorative stamp to mark the day.
On the eve of the day, President Hamid and Prime Minister Hasina issued separate messages extending heartfelt greetings and warm felicitations to the countrymen at home and abroad.
In his message, the president said: “In order to achieve the desired goal of Independence, we must ensure people-oriented and sustainable development, good governance, social justice, transparency and accountability. Forbearance, human rights and rule of law have to be consolidated for institutionalizing democracy.
“It is our sacred duty to ensure a safe, happy, beautiful and prosperous Bangladesh for the new generation.”
The prime minister in her message said: “We are fortunate to have simultaneously celebrated the 2020-2021 birth centenary of the Father of the Nation, Mujib Borsho, and the Golden Jubilee of Independence through colorful programs.”
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She also urged all to be united and nurture the spirit and ideals of the Liberation War and participate in building the hunger-poverty-free, self-confident and self-respecting “Golden Bangladesh” of Bangabandhu’s dream.
Marking the Independence Day, special prayers will be offered at all mosques, temples, churches and other places of worship across the country for peace, development and prosperity.
Improved meals will be served to those at the hospitals, jails, old homes and orphanage centres. All children's parks and museums around the country will remain open for all.
The Bangladesh embassies and missions around the world will also celebrate the day through similar programs.
