Today, March 26, marks the country's 56th anniversary of Independence and National Day; a day of profound constitutional and historical significance to commemorate the birth of a sovereign state through a nine month armed struggle.
The day recalls the early hours of March 26, 1971, when Sheikh Mujibur Rahman called upon the people to resist the invading forces and continue the struggle until final victory was achieved.
It also commemorates the declaration of independence by Ziaur Rahman from the Kalurghat radio station in Chittagong, followed by a declaration of independence on March 27 on behalf of Bangabandhu; that ended in nine month of liberation war.
The day is being, observed as a public holiday; that began with a 31 gun salute across the capital and other parts of the country. At dawn, the President and the Prime Minister paid homage at the National Memorial in Savar and were accorded a guard of honour by the armed forces.
Following this, members of the cabinet and chiefs of the three services laid wreaths, followed by the Bir Shrestha families, injured freedom fighters and veterans under the leadership of the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs.
Foreign diplomats, political leaders, social organisations and citizens from all walks of life also paid tribute, after which the memorial was opened to the public.
National flags have been hoisted at sunrise across all government, semi government, autonomous and private establishments, while important buildings are illuminated and decorated. Streets, road islands and major urban centers are adorned with national flags and decorative displays, and bands from various services are performing at key locations in the capital.
The President and the Prime Minister issued separate messages marking the occasion, while newspapers published special supplements and literary features highlighting the significance of independence. Electronic media are broadcasting Liberation War related programmes throughout the month.
A wide range of programmes have been organised by cultural and social organizations including Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Bangla Academy, Bangladesh National Museum, Liberation War Museum and Bangladesh Shishu Academy. These include discussions on Liberation War, cultural performances, competitions for children, documentary screenings and film exhibitions.
Receptions were held across metropolitan areas, districts and upazilas in honour of freedom fighters and families of martyrs. The Bangladesh Postal Department has issued commemorative postage stamps, while special prayers were held and religious ceremonies observed nationwide seeking peace, prosperity and national progress.
Quality meals are being served in hospitals, prisons, orphanages, old age homes and child care institutions. Entry to all parks and museums are free of charge for the public. Naval and Coast Guard vessels are opened for public viewing from 9 am to 2 pm at ports including Chittagong, Khulna, Mongla and Payra, as well as selected inland water transport terminals in Dhaka, Narayanganj, Barisal and Chandpur.
Similar ceremonies are taking place at district and upazila levels, as well as at Bangladesh embassies abroad, underscoring the nationwide and international significance of the day.
Meanwhile, On the occasion of the great Independence and National Day, President Md. Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman have issued separate messages of felicitations extending "heartfelt greetings and warm congratulations" to the people of Bangladesh at home and abroad.
They also reiterated the calls for national unity, democratic consolidation and socio economic development in line with the foundational principles of the state.
In his message, the President underscored the historical sacrifices that underpinned the emergence of the nation, stating, "We got our freedom in exchange for supreme sacrifice of the brave martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the great liberation war."
He further added, "I remember the late President Ziaur Rahman, all freedom fighters, oppressed mothers and sisters, national leaders of the liberation war, organisers and people from all walks of life with humble respect."
Emphasizing the normative framework of independence, he observed that "their outstanding sacrifice gives us the courage to build a modern Bangladesh that is free from discrimination, based on justice and democratic principles." He further articulated the constitutional aspirations of the state, stating that "the goal of independence is to ensure political and economic freedom, an exploitation free society, human dignity and empowerment of the people."
The President stressed that it is "our sacred duty to build a safe, happy and prosperous Bangladesh for the new generation," calling for "strong national unity, compassion and patriotism" to transform the country into a self reliant and justice oriented polity.
He urged citizens to transcend partisan divisions, calling on all to work together "regardless of party affiliation" and extended his best wishes for the success of programmes undertaken to mark the day.
In his separate message, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman described March 26 as "a glorious and historic day in our national life," and reiterated that the central objective of independence was "to establish a non discriminatory, democratic, peaceful and prosperous Bangladesh."
He emphasized that achieving this objective requires collective effort, stating, "keeping that goal in mind, we all have to work unitedly and take the country forward."
He paid homage to the martyrs of the Liberation War, stating, "I remember with deep respect the best sons of the nation, whose sacrifices have given us an independent and sovereign Bangladesh."
He also expressed "deep gratitude to the heroic freedom fighters, oppressed mothers, sisters and all those who dedicated themselves to the freedom struggle," while praying for the forgiveness of the departed souls of the martyrs.
Highlighting the developmental agenda, the Prime Minister stated that to accelerate national progress, it is imperative to uphold "the spirit of national unity, mutual tolerance and patriotism."
He further added, "Let us all, learning from the significance of the great Independence and National Day, dedicate ourselves to the welfare of the country from our respective positions. Let us work together to build a developed, prosperous and dignified Bangladesh."
The Prime Minister also extended his best wishes for the success of all programmes undertaken in observance of the Independence and National Day, reinforcing the symbolic and political importance of the occasion in shaping the country's future trajectory.
Meanwhile, Droupadi Murmu, the President of India, has conveyed warm greetings and felicitations to Mohammed Shahabuddin, President of Bangladesh, on the occasion of Bangladesh's national day, Independence Day.
In her message, Indian President Murmu extended her greeting on behalf of the Government and people of India, as well as in her personal capacity, to President Shahabuddin and the citizens of Bangladesh.
Highlighting the close ties between the two nations, she noted that India and Bangladesh share a common history, deep-rooted cultural connections, and enduring linguistic traditions. These elements, she emphasized, continue to serve as the foundation of a strong and evolving bilateral partnership.
President Murmu further underscored the progress made by both countries in advancing cooperation across key sectors, including connectivity, trade, development partnership, power and energy, capacity building, and education. She stated that such collaboration has delivered tangible benefits to people on both sides of the border.
Reaffirming India's commitment to strengthening ties, the Indian President expressed optimism about working closely with Bangladesh to further enhance bilateral relations and promote regional peace, stability, and prosperity.
The message concluded with President Murmu conveying her best wishes to the Government and people of Bangladesh, along with assurances of her highest consideration.
