Bangladesh observes 49th Independence Day

Bangladesh is observing its 49th Independence and National Day on Tuesday, refreshing the resolution to uphold the spirit of the 1971 Liberation War and build a “Sonar Bangla” as dreamt by the freedom fighters and mass people under the leadership of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in separate messages issued on Monday extended their heartfelt greetings and warm felicitations to the countrymen living at home and abroad

In the wee hours of March 26, 1971, Bangabandhu declared Bangladesh’s independence following the crackdown on unarmed Bangalees on the midnight of March 25 by the Pakistani occupation forces.

After the nine-month-long Liberation War with the supreme sacrifices of three million people and at the cost of chastity of two lakh women, Bangladesh achieved its cherished independence on December 16, 1971.

The government and different socio-cultural and political organizations are observing the Independence Day, which is also a public holiday, through elaborating programs in a befitting manner.

On this auspicious occasion, glowing tributes are being paid to the martyrs and veterans of the Liberation War.

The National Memorial at Savar has become the main venue of the celebration where President Md Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina placed wreaths this morning as a mark of profound respect to the memories of the martyrs.

Families of the Bir Shreshthas and martyrs, war wounded freedom fighters, members of the diplomatic corps, leaders of different political parties, social, cultural and professional bodies and people from all walks of life later followed suit in paying tributes to the martyrs there.

The day’s programs began by heralding a 31-gun salute early in the morning as a mark of profound respect to the heroic struggle of the Bengali nation, which suffered a protracted subjugation under foreign rules from time to time till achieving their coveted independence in 1971.

The national flag is flying atop all government and private buildings while all streets and important city intersections have been decorated with national and multi-coloured miniature flags and festoons.

The national anthem will be sung simultaneously across the country and Bangladesh missions abroad on the day.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is set to lead the nation in singing the national anthem at the main programme of “Jatiya Shishu Kishore Samabesh” at Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka on Tuesday.

National dailies have brought out special supplements while Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television, private radio stations and television channels are airing special programs highlighting the significance of the day.

Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Bangla Academy, National Museum, Liberation War Museum, Bangladesh Shishu Academy, and other political, social and cultural organizations are observing the day with various events.

Special prayers are being offered in all mosques, temples, churches and other places of worship across the country for the eternal peace of the souls of all the martyrs.

Improved diets will also be served to the inmates of hospitals, jails, old homes and other public institutions to mark the day.