Independence Day celebrated

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The nation Saturday celebrated the 41st Independence and National Day with a renewed call to expedite the trial of war criminals and materialise the dreams of the valiant freedom fighters by building a happy and prosperous Bangladesh, reports BSS. The day carried special significance this year as the country observed the 40th anniversary of independence, and the government started the process of trial of war criminals for their heinous crimes committed during the War of Liberation. Every year, March 26 brings with it the most tragic reminiscence of the history's blackest episode that heralded a nine-month bloody ordeal from the night following the March 25, 1971 in achieving the long-cherished independence on December 16 the same year at the cost of a sea of blood. The day's programmes were heralded with a 31-gun salute early in the morning as a mark of respect to the heroic struggle of this nation, which suffered a protracted subjugation under foreign rules from time to time till achieving their coveted independence in 1971. The day was a public holiday. The national flag was hoisted atop at all government and private buildings while all roads and important city corners were decorated befittingly with miniature flags and festoons. President Zillur Rahman and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages on the occasion of the Independence Day calling upon the nation to uphold the true spirit of the War of Liberation to fulfill the dreams of the valiant Freedom Fighters. Leader of the Opposition Khaleda Zia and Jatiya Party Chairman HM Ershad also issued separate messages conveying their best wishes to the people and paying rich tributes to the memories of the martyrs of the War of Liberation.