The 56th Independence and National Day was observed across the country on Thursday with solemnity, reverence, and a renewed commitment to the spirit of great Liberation War, with the nation vowing to build a democratic Bangladesh.
The day was marked by ceremonial observances, military displays, diplomatic felicitations, and nationwide programmes reflecting constitutional patriotism and national unity.
The programme commenced with a 31-gun salute, symbolising state honour and formal commemoration. At the outset, President Md Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman paid deep tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War at the National Memorial in Savar at 6:00 am, where a smartly turned-out tri-service contingent of the Army, Navy, and Air Force rendered a state salute in accordance with protocol and military tradition.
Across the country, wreaths were placed at monuments and memorials by civil administration officials, political leaders, and social organisations at divisional, district, and upazila levels, reflecting a coordinated expression of national remembrance. The day's programme also included receptions for valiant freedom fighters, friendly football matches, welfare meals at hospitals, orphanages, and prisons, public discussions, and prize distribution ceremonies-reinforcing the broader socio-civic dimension of the observance.
A significant highlight of the day was the traditional Independence Day parade, which returned after a hiatus of more than a decade and a half. It was held at the National Parade Ground of the old airport in Agargaon, Dhaka, beginning at 10:00 am. President Md Shahabuddin was received by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, after which he took the state salute as the national anthem was played and attendees stood in solemn respect.
The President subsequently inspected the parade in an open jeep in accordance with ceremonial protocol. During the inspection and march-past, participants performed and recited patriotic compositions, including "Bal Bir Bal Udna Mom Shir," accompanied by musical instruments, reinforcing the cultural and symbolic dimension of the event.
At 10:55 am, paratroopers descended carrying national and service flags, marking a coordinated airborne display of precision and discipline. This was followed by aerial manoeuvres involving helicopters and aircraft of the Army, Navy, Border Guard Bangladesh, and the Rapid Action Battalion over the parade ground.
At 11:10 am, a comprehensive display of modern military hardware commenced, showcasing the operational capabilities of the armed forces. The Army presented tanks, armoured personnel carriers, anti-tank weapon systems, automatic grenade launchers, 155 mm Nora B52K1 self-propelled guns, FM-90 search and guidance vehicles, drones, mine-protected vehicles, remote-controlled mine and improvised explosive device-clearing systems, radio and access network units, jammer stations, launching vehicles, and 122 mm multiple launch rocket system S-22 platforms, among other assets.
The Navy demonstrated its maritime defence and surveillance capabilities, including ship and aircraft search radars, anti-aircraft missile systems, medium-range strike capabilities, anti-submarine torpedoes, newly inducted unmanned aerial vehicles, indigenously developed drones, and submarines for underwater operations-highlighting naval modernisation and readiness.
The Air Force also showcased domestically developed drones alongside other aerial defence technologies, while Border Guard Bangladesh and the Fire Service and Civil Defence displayed their operational equipment, reflecting an integrated national security framework.
At 11:40 am, the aerial display intensified with fighter jets, helicopters, and aircraft flying in coordinated formations. Four helicopters carried the national flag alongside the flags of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Spectators stood in collective tribute as the flag passed overhead.
In another display of aerial coordination, five aircraft painted the sky with trails of red, blue, and green, executing high-speed manoeuvres accompanied by loud engine roars, symbolising both technological capability and ceremonial grandeur. The fly-past concluded at 11:53 am, bringing the parade to a close around 12:00 noon with renewed homage to the freedom fighters.
Meanwhile, messages of diplomatic goodwill were extended to Bangladesh on the occasion.
President Md Shahabuddin received congratulatory messages from King Charles III of the United Kingdom and President Droupadi Murmu of India. Pakistan, China, Switzerland, and several other countries also conveyed greetings, reflecting international recognition of Bangladesh's national day within bilateral and multilateral diplomatic frameworks.
