Independence Day today: Nation to pay homage to 1971 martyrs
Bangladesh is set to observe this year’s Independence and National Day on Thursday with a range of ceremonial and cultural programmes across the country.
The day marks the formal beginning of the armed struggle for the nation’s liberation on the night of March 25, 1971, and is celebrated on March 26 in remembrance of the sacrifices made during the Liberation War.
Following nine months of struggle, in which three million lives were lost and 200,000 women were subjected to atrocities, Bangladesh achieved independence on December 16, 1971. The day is a public holiday.
The government has planned extensive programmes at the national and local levels to mark the occasion. The celebrations will begin with a 31-gun salute in Dhaka and across all divisions.
President Md. Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will lay wreaths early in the morning at the National Memorial to pay tribute to the martyrs of 1971.
Families of the Birsreshtha, war-wounded and brave freedom fighters, led by the Liberation War Affairs adviser, will also participate in wreath-laying ceremonies.
Officials, foreign diplomats, political leaders, and representatives of social, cultural, and professional organisations will join in paying respects at the National Memorial.
The national flag will be hoisted and the national anthem performed at all divisions, districts, and upazilas. Student rallies and parades are also scheduled nationwide.
In Dhaka, prominent buildings and important establishments will be illuminated in honour of the day. Government, semi-government, autonomous, and private buildings across the country will display the national flag.
Both the President and Prime Minister have issued separate messages, highlighting the importance of national unity, patriotism, and continued efforts to build a just, self-reliant, and prosperous Bangladesh.
President Md. Shahabuddin extended his greetings to all Bangladeshis at home and abroad, acknowledging the challenges posed by prolonged misgovernance, global economic pressures, and recent energy crises.
He urged citizens, irrespective of party or opinion, to work together to ensure a secure, productive, and just Bangladesh for future generations.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman remembered the nation’s martyrs and brave freedom fighters, as well as the mothers, sisters, and all who sacrificed for independence.
He said the day renews the spirit of courage, sacrifice, and patriotism, reminding all that the ultimate goal of independence was to build a Bangladesh that is democratic, peaceful, and free from discrimination.
He called on everyone to uphold national unity, mutual tolerance, and continue moving the country forward.
Throughout the day, national dailies will publish special supplements, while Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television, and private media outlets will air programmes highlighting the significance of the day.
Cultural events will be held at tourist spots, and sports tournaments, including football, T20 cricket, kabaddi, and ha-du-du competitions, will take place at district and upazila levels.
Museums, cinema halls, and recreational centres for children will remain open, often free of charge, with films and exhibits focused on the Liberation War. Ships of the Bangladesh Navy and Coast Guard will be open for public visits at major ports and river terminals. Commemorative postage stamps will also be issued to mark the occasion.
Special prayers will be offered at mosques, temples, churches, pagodas, and other places of worship, seeking peace for the martyrs and blessings for the living freedom fighters.
Government hospitals, prisons, orphanages, old-age homes, and welfare centres will provide special meals to commemorate the day.
The nation will thus collectively honour the sacrifices of 1971 and reaffirm its commitment to building a Bangladesh founded on unity, justice, and progress.
