The nation is celebrating the 51st Independence and National Day today coinciding with the grand celebration of the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and golden jubilee of independence.
The grand celebration of the birth centenary of Bangabandhu and the golden jubilee of Bangladesh’s independence, which marked the physical attendance of five heads of states and governments and virtual attendance of other global leaders, started on March 17.
The 10-day grand celebration will end today following the celebration of the country’s 51st Independence and National Day tomorrow with the attendance of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in person as the guest of honour.
Earlier, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, Nepalese President Bidya Devi Bhandari and Bhutanese Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering joined the grand celebration in person since March 17.
Marking the 51st Independence and National Day, the government has taken elaborate programmes maintaining the health guidelines in view of the global pandemic coronavirus.
President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid rich tributes to the martyrs of the War of Liberation by placing wreaths at the National Memorial here this morning marking the 51st Independence and National Day.
President Hamid first placed a wreath at the altar of the memorial followed by the Prime Minister.
After placing the wreaths, the President and the Prime Minister stood in solemn silence for some time as a mark of profound respect to the memories of the martyrs of the Great War of Liberation in 1971.
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, were seen laying wreaths at the national memorial in the morning of the day.
The day’s programmes began by heralding a 50-gun salute early in the morning as a mark of profound 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 national flag has been hoisted atop all government, semi-government, autonomous and private buildings with the rises of sun while all streets and important city intersections have been decorated with national and multi-coloured miniature flags and festoons.
National dailies have brought out special supplements while Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television, private radio stations and television channels are airing month-long special programmes on Liberation War and highlighting the significance of the day.
Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Bangla Academy, National Museum, Liberation War Museum, Bangladesh Shishu Academy, and other social and cultural organisations have arranged discussions, cultural programmes and sports competition while painting competition for children, essay and debate competitions are being organized virtually.
Reception have been accorded to freedom fighters and the members of martyred freedom fighters at city, zilla and upazila levels, while Bangladesh Postal Office will publish commemorating postal stamps.
Special prayers are being be offered in all mosques, temples, churches and other places of worship across the country seeking divine blessings for the eternal peace of the departed souls of Father of the Nation, four national leaders, martyrs of the War of Liberation and all other patriotic sons of the soil.
The missions abroad are also celebrating the day through similar programmes.
Different political parties including ruling Awami League as well as socio-cultural and professional organisations have also taken various programmes to observe the day in a befitting manner.
Every year, the March 26 brings the most tragic reminiscence of the history’s blackest episode that heralded a nine-month bloody ordeal from the night of March 25, 1971, achieving the long-cherished independence on December 16 the same year at the cost of a sea of blood.
BDST: 1338 HRS, MAR 26, 2021
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