Independence, National Day Today
Wednesday, 26 March 2008
The country's 38th Independence and National Day is being celebrated today (Wednesday) through paying tributes to the martyred war-heroes and renewing the nation's pledge to build an exploitation-free prosperous Bangladesh, reports UNB.
On March 26, 1971, independence of Bangladesh was formally declared, leading to the Liberation War against the Pakistani occupation forces that resulted in the emergence of a sovereign state on the global map.
After the Pakistani forces brutally cracked down on the unarmed people of the then East Pakistan on the night of March 25, 1971, the Bangali nation went to war for independence at the call of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and waged an all-out guerrilla fight. The victory came on December 16.
It is a public holiday.
On the occasion, President Professor Dr Iajuddin Ahmed and Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed greeted the people issuing separate messages that also carried call for them to work unitedly for building a forward-looking developed Bangladesh based on an equitable society.
In his message, the President paid profound respect and gratitude to the valiant freedom-fighters, organisers of the Liberation War and people from all walks of life who had rendered their dedicated efforts and extended enthusiastic support that expedited the achievement of the long-cherished independence.
"One of the prime objectives of our hard-earned independence was to build a happy, prosperous and self-reliant Bangladesh. Keeping that in mind, our untiring efforts have been advancing to that direction," the President said.
He referred to the significant progress achieved in the fields of education, agriculture, industry, communications, rural infrastructure, healthcare services and women empowerment.
In a separate message on the occasion of the Independence Day, Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed hoped that a benevolent government and a meaningful democratic system would be established through a free, fair, impartial and acceptable national election.
"To fulfill this aspiration, I urge all citizens irrespective of their affiliation to any group and opinion for united and committed effort," he said. He also stressed the need for establishing social justice and good governance, and improving the living conditions of the people.
A 31-gun salute at the Old Airport at dawn is scheduled to herald the day's celebrations. The national flag is hoisted atop government buildings.
President Iajuddin Ahmed and Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed will lead the nation in paying tributes to the martyrs of the Liberation War by placing wreaths at the National Mausoleum in Savar at sunrise. Members from Army, Navy and Air Force will pay guard of honour at the time.
Leaders of different political parties, sociopolitical organisations, freedom-fighters and people of all walks of life will then place wreaths at the memorial to the independence martyrs.
The day's programme will begin with special munajat after Fazr prayer at the mosques across the country seeking divine blessings for the peace and progress of the country.
Different government and non-governmental organisations, political parties and cultural organisatins have undertaken elaborate programmes to mark the day.
Members of the Bangladesh Armed Forces will also join the nation in observing the Independence and National Day in a befitting manner.
A combined parade of Army, Navy, Air Force, BNCC, BDR, Bangladesh Coast Guard, district and metropolitan police, Armed Police, Prison Police, RAB, Bangladesh Ansar and VDP, Freedom Fighters Contingent and Mohila Contingent will be held the National Parade Square at 10am.
President Dr Iajuddin will inspect the parade and take salute, while Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin will also attend the programme.
Bangladesh Army, Navy and Air Force band will perform in Rajdhani High School area, Farmgate and Mirpur Stadium respectively from 3pm to 5pm. They will play different patriotic and popular tunes for the entertainment of the audience.
Besides, a number of Navy ships will remain open for the visitors from 2pm to 5:30pm at Sadarghat in Dhaka, Narayanganj, Chittagong, Khulna, Mongla port and Barisal.
Mass Communication Department has chalked out elaborate programmes across the country marking the day. The programmes include rendering patriotic songs on trucks in the capital and on launch near the Buriganga bank areas, and screening movies on Liberation War and development, holding discussion and distributing posters in 64 districts.
Awami League, BNP and other political parties have also chalked out separate programmes to mark the day.
On March 26, 1971, independence of Bangladesh was formally declared, leading to the Liberation War against the Pakistani occupation forces that resulted in the emergence of a sovereign state on the global map.
After the Pakistani forces brutally cracked down on the unarmed people of the then East Pakistan on the night of March 25, 1971, the Bangali nation went to war for independence at the call of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and waged an all-out guerrilla fight. The victory came on December 16.
It is a public holiday.
On the occasion, President Professor Dr Iajuddin Ahmed and Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed greeted the people issuing separate messages that also carried call for them to work unitedly for building a forward-looking developed Bangladesh based on an equitable society.
In his message, the President paid profound respect and gratitude to the valiant freedom-fighters, organisers of the Liberation War and people from all walks of life who had rendered their dedicated efforts and extended enthusiastic support that expedited the achievement of the long-cherished independence.
"One of the prime objectives of our hard-earned independence was to build a happy, prosperous and self-reliant Bangladesh. Keeping that in mind, our untiring efforts have been advancing to that direction," the President said.
He referred to the significant progress achieved in the fields of education, agriculture, industry, communications, rural infrastructure, healthcare services and women empowerment.
In a separate message on the occasion of the Independence Day, Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed hoped that a benevolent government and a meaningful democratic system would be established through a free, fair, impartial and acceptable national election.
"To fulfill this aspiration, I urge all citizens irrespective of their affiliation to any group and opinion for united and committed effort," he said. He also stressed the need for establishing social justice and good governance, and improving the living conditions of the people.
A 31-gun salute at the Old Airport at dawn is scheduled to herald the day's celebrations. The national flag is hoisted atop government buildings.
President Iajuddin Ahmed and Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed will lead the nation in paying tributes to the martyrs of the Liberation War by placing wreaths at the National Mausoleum in Savar at sunrise. Members from Army, Navy and Air Force will pay guard of honour at the time.
Leaders of different political parties, sociopolitical organisations, freedom-fighters and people of all walks of life will then place wreaths at the memorial to the independence martyrs.
The day's programme will begin with special munajat after Fazr prayer at the mosques across the country seeking divine blessings for the peace and progress of the country.
Different government and non-governmental organisations, political parties and cultural organisatins have undertaken elaborate programmes to mark the day.
Members of the Bangladesh Armed Forces will also join the nation in observing the Independence and National Day in a befitting manner.
A combined parade of Army, Navy, Air Force, BNCC, BDR, Bangladesh Coast Guard, district and metropolitan police, Armed Police, Prison Police, RAB, Bangladesh Ansar and VDP, Freedom Fighters Contingent and Mohila Contingent will be held the National Parade Square at 10am.
President Dr Iajuddin will inspect the parade and take salute, while Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin will also attend the programme.
Bangladesh Army, Navy and Air Force band will perform in Rajdhani High School area, Farmgate and Mirpur Stadium respectively from 3pm to 5pm. They will play different patriotic and popular tunes for the entertainment of the audience.
Besides, a number of Navy ships will remain open for the visitors from 2pm to 5:30pm at Sadarghat in Dhaka, Narayanganj, Chittagong, Khulna, Mongla port and Barisal.
Mass Communication Department has chalked out elaborate programmes across the country marking the day. The programmes include rendering patriotic songs on trucks in the capital and on launch near the Buriganga bank areas, and screening movies on Liberation War and development, holding discussion and distributing posters in 64 districts.
Awami League, BNP and other political parties have also chalked out separate programmes to mark the day.