Independence Day comes after changeover

Bangladesh celebrates the Independence and National Day today (Wednesday) amid enthusiasm, first after a regime change in the country.

Elaborate programmes have been taken up at the national level and across the country to mark the occasion with due respects to independence martyrs and solemnity.

The day's celebration commences with a 31-gun salute at dawn across the country, including the capital, as per official arrangements.

On the occasion, Chief Adviser of the interim government Dr Muhammad Yunus would lay a wreath at the National Memorial in Savar early in the morning as a mark of profound respects for the martyrs.

Led by Liberation War Affairs Adviser Farooq-e-Azam, people from all walks of life, including families of Bir Shreshthas, war-wounded freedom fighters, members of the diplomatic corps, leaders of different political parties, social, cultural and professional bodies will also place wreathes at the National Memorial in the morning of the day to show their respects to the martyred freedom fighters.

Additionally, wreathes will also be placed at different district-and upazila-level martyrs' memorials.

The national flag will be hoisted atop all government, semi-government, autonomous and private buildings in all the divisions, districts and upazilas across the country at dawn. The singing of the national anthem, and student assemblies and parades at divisional, district, and upazila levels will also be held on the occasion.

To mark the day, important buildings and establishments are illuminated with colourful lights. Main streets and road islands in the capital and other cities across the country are decorated with national flags and other colourful flags and festoons.

The day is a public holiday.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus issued a message on the occasion, saying that the interim government is fully committed to further developing and strengthening the country and delivering

the full benefits of independence to the people.

"We are working to establish good governance and justice to ensure people-orientated and sustainable development, and ensure transparency and accountability through necessary reforms in all spheres of the state," he says in the resolve of the post-uprising government.

He extends his sincere greetings and congratulations to all Bangladeshis living in the country and abroad.