Dhaka: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today witnessed the Independence and National Day Parade while President Mohammed Shahabuddin took the salute and inspected the parade as the chief guest. The parade was held at the National Parade Ground here marking the 56th Independence and National Day, after a gap of 18 years. The parade was organized under the auspices of the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs with support of the Armed Forces Division and overall management of the 9th Infantry Division. Freedom fighters, armed forces, paramilitary forces, and members of Fire Service and Civil Defence took part in the parade.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 9th Infantry Division and Area Commander of Savar Area Major General SM Asadul Haque performed as the parade commander, while Commander of the 71 Mechanized Brigade Brigadier General Mohammad Shafqat-Ul-Islam served as the deputy commander. President Mohammed Shahabuddin, accompanied by Parade Commander Major General SM Asadul Haque, riding an open jeep, inspected the parade and took the salute. A total of 25 contingents from different forces saluted the President.
During the parade, Commander of 9 Artillery Brigade Brigadier General Md Anwar Uz Zaman led the combined mechanized contingent. The mechanized display included significant military weapons, and decorated vehicles carried freedom fighters who saluted the President. Fly pasts by Army Aviation, Naval Aviation, BGB Air Wing, and RAB Forces, along with freefall jumps by adventurous Para Commando members, added to the parade’s appeal.
Both President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman observed the freefall jumps, fly-past, and aerobatic display. Prime Minister’s daughter, Barrister Zaima Rahman, was also present to witness the parade and displays. Before departing, the President and the Prime Minister exchanged pleasantries with the armed forces members.
Earlier, upon his arrival at the parade ground at 9.57 am, the Prime Minister was escorted by a ceremonial motorcade of military police towards the saluting dais. Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan, State Minister Ishraque Hossain, Prime Minister’s Defence Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) Dr. AKM Shamsul Islam, chiefs of the three services, principal staff officer of the Armed Forces Division, and liberation war affairs secretary received the Prime Minister. The premier, along with other officials, subsequently received the President on the parade ground.
Every year, March 26 marks the somber reminiscence of the tragic events of March 25, 1971, leading to a nine-month struggle for independence, culminating in the liberation of the nation on December 16, 1971. According to ISPR, in order to preserve the true history of the great independence and Liberation War for future generations, numerous banners and billboards depicting the spirit of the Independence and National Day were installed on specific roads in the capital, including the National Parade Square. These banners and billboards showcased the Liberation War and the enduring history and heritage of the Bangalee nation. Furthermore, images of notable activities from all the forces participating in the parade were displayed on the parade ground.