Dhaka: The nation is celebrating its 56th Independence and National Day today in a befitting manner. On this significant occasion, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman paid tributes to the Liberation War martyrs by placing wreaths at the National Memorial in Savar, on the outskirts of the capital.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the commemoration began with gun salutes early in the morning across all districts and upazilas, including Dhaka. The national flag was hoisted atop government, semi-government, autonomous, and private buildings at sunrise. Large flags were also displayed at Bangladesh missions abroad, city corporation offices, and high-rise buildings in Dhaka.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman issued separate messages in honor of the day, which is a public holiday. The government has organized a series of elaborate programs to observe the day with due respect. Newspapers have published special articles and supplements, while television channels and radio stations, including Bangladesh Television (BTV) and Bangladesh Betar, are broadcasting special programs highlighting the history of the Liberation War.
The President will host a reception at Bangabhaban for the families of Bir Shrestha recipients and living freedom fighters who received gallantry awards. Reception programs for heroic freedom fighters are also being organized at district and upazila levels. Meanwhile, essay, recitation, and painting competitions are taking place in educational institutions nationwide to emphasize the significance of the day.
Bangladesh missions abroad are hosting discussions on independence and the Liberation War, while ships of the Bangladesh Navy and Coast Guard at various BIWTC ghats have been opened to the public from 9:00 am until sunset. In a commemorative gesture, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman issued a postage stamp at the Cabinet Division office at the Bangladesh Secretariat.
Sports events, including football matches, T20 cricket tournaments, kabaddi, and ha-du-du, are being organized at district and upazila levels. Films on the Liberation War are being screened free of charge in cinema halls, and museums are open free of charge to the public throughout the day. Government and private entertainment centers are also open for children.
Cultural programs are being held at tourist centers, and special prayers are being offered in mosques, temples, churches, and pagodas for the souls of martyred freedom fighters and the prosperity of the nation. Feasts have been arranged in public hospitals, prisons, government children’s homes, rehabilitation centers, and welfare institutions across the country.