The 56th Independence and National Day was celebrated across the country with due solemnity and festivity, paying glowing tributes to the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War.
From dawn to dusk, programmes across the country reflected both reverence and celebration-gun salutes, wreath-laying ceremonies, cultural events, sports competitions, and special prayers in mosques, temples, churches and pagodas.
People from all walks of life thronged memorials and Shaheed Minars to honour the supreme sacrifices of 1971.
The Day began with 31-gun salutes and the hoisting of the national flag at government and private institutions, followed by floral tributes and moments of silence.
Reports from our correspondents in Barishal, Feni, Gopalganj, Khulna, Minshiganj, Meherpur, Noakhali, Netrakona, Pirojpur, Rangamati, Rajbari, Sirajganj, and Tangail detailed a comprehensive programme of events that defined the national mood.
Across the districts, the blend of solemn remembrance and festive celebration underscored the nation's enduring respect for its history and its collective pledge to build a discrimination-free, prosperous Bangladesh.
BARISHAL: Barishal marked the Day with a series of events. At dawn, a 31-gun salute was fired at the police lines ground, followed by flag hoisting. Wreaths were placed at the district administration office memorial, the Tresti Godown killing ground, and the grave of martyred ADC Kazi Azizul Islam.
At 8 am, the Divisional Commissioner, Md Mahfuzur Rahman, raised the flag at Bell's Park and inspected a student parade. The Shilpakala Academy auditorium hosted a reception for freedom fighters, while prayers were offered in mosques, temples and churches for peace and prosperity.
Improved meals were served at hospitals, prisons, orphanages, rehabilitation centres, homes for the elderly, and shelters for street children. Deputy Commissioner (DC) Khairul Alam Suman inspected the facilities to ensure compliance with government directives.
Students were invited to cinema screenings of Liberation War films and documentaries. The divisional museum, Planet World Children's Park and Durga Sagar Lake were opened to the public. A football match between the freedom fighters' team and the district administration team was held at Bell's Park. In the evening, cultural organisations staged performances at the central Shaheed Minar, attended by BNP leader Mujibur Rahman Sarwar, MP.
FENI: The Day's proceedings in Feni began at dawn with a 31-gun salute, marking the start of a series of commemorative events. Prof. Joynal Abedin, MP for Feni-2, led the floral offerings at the martyred freedom fighters' memorial in the city. He was followed by DC Monira Huq, Superintendent of Police (SP) Md. Shafiqul Islam, and Civil Surgeon (CS) Dr. Mohammad Rubaiyat Bin Karim.
Representatives from the District Council, Feni Municipality, the BNP, and various socio-cultural organisations, including the Feni Reporters Unity and the Bangladesh Photo Journalist Association, also placed wreaths.
Later at 8 am, the national anthem echoed through the Bhasha Shahid Abdus Salam Stadium. Students from various educational institutions participated in a spectacular march-past and display. The administration also organized a reception for freedom fighters at the District Shilpakala Academy. Special prayers were held at mosques, temples, and churches for the country's progress, and improved meals were served in hospitals and orphanages.
GOPALGANJ: The Day began with flag hoisting at government, semi-government and private institutions. A 31-gun salute was fired at the Shaheed Memorial. At 6 am, wreaths were laid at the 1971 killing ground near the cricket stadium. DC Md Arif Uz-Zaman led the first tribute, followed by SP Md Habibullah and representatives of the freedom fighters' command, PBI, BNP, Gopalganj Government College, and social and cultural organisations.
At 8 am, the district stadium hosted flag hoisting, a parade, and prize distribution. Cultural programmes and receptions for freedom fighters continued throughout the Day.
KHULNA: The Day's programme began at sunrise with wreaths placed at the Gallamari Martyrs' Memorial. A 31 gun salute at Khulna Metropolitan Police Lines marked the ceremonial start. National flags were hoisted atop government, semi government, autonomous and private buildings, while major roads and intersections were decorated with flags and festoons.
Wreaths were offered by Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangsad city and district units, Divisional Commissioner Md Mokhtar Ahmed, KCC Administrator Nazrul Islam Manju, Range DIG Md Rezaul Haque, KMP Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Hasan, DC A.S.M. Jamshad Khondker, SP, and representatives of political parties, professional bodies and socio cultural organisations.
At 8:30 am, the divisional commissioner formally hoisted the national flag at Khulna District Stadium. A colourful parade followed, featuring police, Ansar VDP, BNCC, Fire Service, prison guards and students. Prizes were distributed among participants.
The City Corporation organised art and essay competitions, discussions and prize giving ceremonies. Liberation War documentaries were screened at Shaheed Hadis Park. Later, freedom fighters and families of martyrs were accorded a reception at Shilpakala Academy, where the divisional commissioner lauded them as the 'sun sons of the nation'.
Special prayers were offered at mosques, temples, churches and pagodas. Improved meals were served at hospitals, jails, orphanages and welfare centres. Sports events, film screenings and cultural programmes rounded off the day, while parks and museums were opened free for children.
MUNSHIGANJ: In Munshiganj, the Old Kachari memorial became a focal point for thousands who came to pay their respects to the fallen heroes. DC Syeda Nurmahal Ashrafi was among the first to offer wreaths at the stroke of midnight.
She was joined by SP Md. Menhajul Alam, District Council Administrator AKM Iradat Hossain Manu, and representatives from the district BNP, Freedom Fighters Council, and the Munshiganj Press Club. "We pray for the salvation of the departed souls who gave their lives for our sovereignty," said a local veteran during the ceremony.
The district stadium hosted a mesmerizing display featuring the police, fire service, and Ansar VDP alongside school children. A formal reception for war-wounded veterans and families of martyrs was also held at the Shilpakala Academy.
MEHERPUR: The Day's programme began at dawn with a 31 gun salute at Circuit House Park. National flags were hoisted atop government, semi government and private buildings, while roads and intersections were decorated with flags and festoons.
Floral tributes were placed at the city's memorial by lawmaker Maulana Tajuddin Khan, DC Dr Syed Inamul Kabir, SP Ujjwal Kumar Roy, alongside political parties, social and cultural organisations, and youth groups.
A grand march past was held at the local stadium with participation from police, civil defence, Ansar, village defence teams, BNCC, Rover Scouts, Girl Guides, students of various institutions and children from government orphanages. The DC and SP took the salute before addressing the gathering.
Later, a colourful reception and discussion meeting honouring freedom fighters was organised at the Shilpakala Academy. Special prayers were offered at mosques, temples, churches and pagodas, while improved meals were served at hospitals, prisons and children's homes.
Essay and painting competitions were arranged for students, and Liberation War documentaries were screened free of charge at cinema halls. Similar programmes were also held in Gangni and Mujibnagar upazilas, marking the Day with equal fervour.
NOAKHALI: The Day's programme began in the morning with the hoisting of the national flag and rendition of the national anthem.
A colourful procession was brought out from the administrative building, parading through the campus before ending at the central Shaheed Minar.
Vice Chancellor (VC) Prof Dr Muhammad Ismail, Pro VC Prof Dr Mohammad Rezwanul Haque, Treasurer Prof Dr Mohammad Hanif and Acting Registrar Mohammad Tamjid Hossain Chowdhury, along with deans, directors, chairmen, provosts, teachers, students and staff, placed wreaths at the Shaheed Minar.
A brief discussion was held on the Shaheed Minar premises where the VC paid tribute to the martyrs and recalled the proclamation of independence. He urged all to fulfil their duties with sincerity, saying that knowledge, research and education are the means to honour the sacrifices of 1971. "If we work with merit and dedication, we can take the country forward," he said.
The Pro VC and Treasurer also spoke, emphasising the responsibility of the younger generation to uphold the values of independence through education and service.
Special prayers were offered at the central mosque after Zohr. On Wednesday night, candles were lit at the Shaheed Minar in memory of the martyrs.
NETRAKONA: Netrakona celebrated the Day with a firm vow to build a 'discrimination-free, happy, and humanitarian Bangladesh'. Following the traditional 31-gun salute, the memorial at the Collectorate Building premises was adorned with flowers.
Leading the tributes were Prof. Dr. Md. Anwarul Haque, MP and President of District BNP, DC Khandaker Mushfiqur Rahman, and SP Md. Tariqul Islam. The district administration, led by newly appointed Administrator Adv. Nuruzzaman Nuru and Municipality Administrator Mohammad Ariful Islam Sardar also paid their respects.
At the Netrakona Modern Stadium, a delightful march-past and display by children drew large crowds. The Day also featured a free screening of liberation war-themed films for students and a Kabaddi competition, bringing a mix of sombre remembrance and festive spirit to the district.
Throughout all districts, the common sentiment was one of deep gratitude toward the three million martyrs and the hundreds of thousands of women who suffered during the war, ensuring that the flame of independence continues to burn bright for future generations.
PIROJPUR: The Day's programme began with the hoisting of national flags atop government and private establishments. Floral tributes were offered at the Independence Martyrs' Monument.
DC Abu Sayed, VC of Pirojpur Science and Technology University Prof Dr Shahidul Islam, District Council Administrator and BNP leader Principal Alamgir Hossain, SP Mohammed Monjur Ahmed Siddique, freedom fighter leader Ahmed Shahidul Haque Chan, along with representatives of the municipality, press club, civil surgeon, BNP, CPB, ADAB, Mahila Parishad, TIB Sanak, lawyers' association, academic institutions and socio cultural organisations placed wreaths.
Later, the national flag was formally hoisted at the district stadium, followed by a march past featuring police, Ansar, VDP, BNCC, students and scouts. Prizes were distributed among winners of various competitions. Freedom fighters were accorded a reception at Shaheed Omar Faruqe auditorium, presided over by DC Abu Sayed, with local MP Masood Sayedee present as the chief guest.
Special prayers were offered at mosques, temples and churches. Improved meals were served at hospitals, prisons and orphanages, while a friendly football match and cultural programmes added colour to the Day.
RANGAMATI: The people of the hills joined the rest of the country in honoring the martyrs. On behalf of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Affairs Minister, DC Nazma Ashrafi placed a wreath at the central Shaheed Minar in Rangamati at sunrise.
Major General (Retd) Anup Kumar Chakma, Chairman of the CHT Development Board, and Kajal Talukdar, Chairman of the Hill District Council, were present to pay their respects. The Day's events shifted to the Ching Hla Mong Mari Stadium at 8 am for the ceremonial hoisting of the national flag and a march-past. The administration concluded the formal festivities with a friendly football match and a discussion meeting in the afternoon.
RAJBARI: The celebration was marked by a call for unity. DC Sultana Akter, in her Independence Day message, urged citizens to work together for national development, inspired by the spirit of the Liberation War.
The Day began with the national flag being hoisted atop all government and private buildings. At 5:56 am, floral tributes were offered at the Shaheed Memorial. The Rajbari Stadium hosted a colourful parade where hundreds of students showcased their discipline and creativity.
Educational institutions also organised essay writing, painting, and quiz competitions centred on the history of 1971.
SIRAJGANJ: In Sirajganj, the observance of Independence and National Day was marked by solemn tributes and strong calls to uphold the true history and spirit of the Liberation War.
Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud cautioned that certain groups are trying to use religion as a tool to erase and distort the history of the Liberation War.
Speaking as chief guest at a reception for freedom fighters organised by the district administration at Sirajganj Shilpakala Academy auditorium, the minister said the 1971 war was essentially a people's war, fought by farmers, labourers and ordinary citizens who sought nothing but an independent land and flag.
He recalled that when the Pakistani occupation forces launched a brutal crackdown on March 25, 1971, the nation was in despair until the declaration of independence inspired the people to rise. "Independence was the dream of Bengalis, the pull of the soul, the struggle for existence," he said.
He urged freedom fighters to remain vigilant against anti-liberation elements such as Al-Badr, Al-Shams and Razakars, and reassured the public that there is no reason to panic over fuel supply, though he called for disciplined consumption.
The programme was presided over by DC Md Aminul Islam, with SP Saiful Islam Santoo and freedom fighter leader Azizur Rahman Dulal among the speakers.
TANGAIL: The Day began at sunrise with a 31-gun salute and the hoisting of the national flag. At the district headquarters, Deputy Commissioner Sharifa Haque and District Council Administrator SM Obaidul Haque Nasir laid wreaths at the Liberation War memorial. Government offices followed with floral tributes, and a minute's silence was observed in memory of the martyrs.
At 8 am, the Shaheed Smriti Poura Udyan hosted wreath-laying by the district freedom fighters' command, political parties including BNP, the Red Crescent, labour and cultural organisations, and professional bodies. Later, at Shaheed Maruf Stadium, the national flag was raised, the anthem sung, and students staged a parade and display. Prizes were distributed to participants.
The district Shilpakala Academy held a discussion and reception for freedom fighters, chaired by DC Sharifa Haque. Police Superintendent Muhammad Shamsul Alam Sarkar, freedom fighter commander Advocate Abdul Khalek Mondal, and other officials addressed the gathering before veterans were formally honoured.
