DHAKA: The nation celebrated the 49th Independence and National Day on Tuesday (March 26) with a vow to uphold the spirit of the Liberation War to build a ‘Sonar Bangla’ as dreamt by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

On the occasion, President Md Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages extending heartfelt greetings and warm felicitations to the countrymen living both at home and abroad.

The national flag remained hoisted atop all government and private buildings while all streets and important city intersections were decorated with national and multi-colored miniature flags and festoons.

Important buildings and establishments as well as city streets and islands were illuminated with colorful lights.

The day was a public holiday.

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 following March 25, 1971 in achieving the long-cherished independence on December 16.

In the wake of the military crackdown, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who became the undisputed leader of the then Pakistan following the massive victory of his party Awami League in the 1970 general elections.
 
Later, Bangabandhu was taken to the then West Pakistan where he had to spend long nine months in a dark condemned cell. 

Bangabandhu wrote down the declaration of independence soon after the Pakistani army cracked down on the fateful black night of March 25, 1971.

The declaration was first broadcast by Awami League leader MA Hannan from Kalurghat Radio Station in port city Chittagong on March 26, 1971.

However, on March 27, 1971, the then Major Ziaur Rahman announced the proclamation of independence on behalf of great leader Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman from the same radio station.

The day began 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 National Memorial at Savar is the main venue of the celebration of the day where the president and the premier will place wreaths in the early morning to pay tribute to the martyrs of Independence War.

Besides, families of martyred war heroes, 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 placed wreaths at the national memorial also in the morning.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina led the nation in singing the national anthem at Bangabandhu National Stadium on the day.

Different political and cultural organizations arranged elaborate programs on the occasion.

National dailies 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.

Special prayers were 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.

BDST: 2208 HRS, MAR 26, 2019
SI