Rajshahi: The city corporation and district administration, along with various political, socio-cultural organizations and educational institutions in Rajshahi, celebrated the 56th Independence and National Day 2026 in a befitting manner. The festivities commenced with a 31-gun salute at the police lines and the hoisting of national flags atop public and private buildings at dawn.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, floral wreaths were placed at different Shaheed Memorial Plaques and mausoleums across the city at sunrise. A notable ceremony took place at the martyrs’ monument on the Deputy Commissioner’s office premises, where Land Minister Mizanur Rahman Minu, MP, paid homage to the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War by placing wreaths. He was accompanied by Administrator of Rajshahi City Corporation Mahfuzur Rahman, Commissioner of Rajshahi Division Dr. ANM Bazlur Rashid, Deputy Inspector General of Police Dr. Muhammad Shahjahan, Commissioner of Rajshahi Metropolitan Police Dr. Zillur Rahman, and Deputy Commissioner of Rajshahi Afia Akhter.
A formal flag-raising ceremony, gathering, and march-past were held at Muktijuddho Smrity Stadium. Dr. ANM Bazlur Rashid hoisted the national flag and witnessed the march-past. A discussion followed at the Shilpakala Academy auditorium, where valiant freedom fighters were honored. Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner Dr. Bazlur Rashid was the chief guest, with Deputy Inspector General of Police Muhammad Shahjahan, Commissioner of Rajshahi Metropolitan Police Dr. Zillur Rahman, and Superintendent of Police Naimul Haassan speaking as special guests, presided over by Deputy Commissioner Afia Akhter.
The Rajshahi City Corporation also celebrated the day with dignity and enthusiasm. Administrator Mahfuzur Rahman Riton paid tribute to the martyrs by placing a wreath at the Martyrs’ Memorial in the Deputy Commissioner’s Office. The day’s events included art competitions, patriotic song renditions, and poetry recitations for school and college students.
Special meals were provided to inmates of hospitals, prisons, safe homes, orphanage centers, and student dormitories. Special prayers were offered at various mosques and places of worship, seeking blessings for the nation’s peace and progress.
Educational institutions such as Rajshahi University, Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology, and others held separate programs. Additionally, popular tourist spots and venues like Rajshahi University Smrity Sangrahashala, Varendra Research Museum, and Central Zoo were open to visitors throughout the day.