Staff Reporter:
The nation pauses in remembrance and pride today, marking Independence Day with tributes to the martyrs whose sacrifice gave birth to Bangladesh in 1971.
March 26 stands as a defining moment in the country’s history, following the brutal crackdown by Pakistani forces on the night of March 25.
That assault triggered the nine-month Liberation War, which ended in victory on December 16, 1971, after the loss of three million lives and the suffering of countless others.
The day is being observed as a public holiday across the country, with programs centered on paying homage to the fallen and reaffirming the spirit of independence.
The observance began in the morning with a 31-gun salute across the country, including in Dhaka.
President Md Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman are scheduled to place wreaths at the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar, followed by families of Bir Sreshtha recipients, war-wounded freedom fighters and other veterans.
People from all walks of life, including political leaders, diplomats and representatives of various organizations, are also expected to lay wreaths at the memorial.
Across the country, the national flag has been hoisted at government, semi-government and private establishments, while the national anthem is being performed at divisional, district and upazila levels.
Educational institutions are organizing parades and rallies to mark the day.
Special prayers are being offered at mosques, temples, churches and other places of worship, seeking peace for the martyrs and progress for the nation.
Government hospitals, prisons, orphanages and welfare centres are arranging special meals to mark the occasion.
Media outlets are observing the day with special programs, while newspapers have published supplements highlighting the significance of Independence Day.
Liberation War-based films are being screened free of charge in cinemas, and museums are open to visitors without tickets.
At the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar, thousands are expected to gather throughout the day to pay their respects.
Visitors will place flowers at the altar in honour of those who died during the war.
Security has been strengthened around the memorial and across key locations to ensure smooth observance.
Law enforcement agencies have deployed personnel at multiple points, while traffic and crowd management measures are in place to facilitate visitors.
Officials said all arrangements have been made to allow people to pay tribute in an orderly manner.
The day is also being marked through various cultural and sporting events at local levels, including football matches, cricket tournaments and traditional games.
President Md Shahabuddin, in a message, called for unity and collective effort to build a just and self-reliant nation.
“At this moment, strong national unity, mutual empathy and patriotism are of paramount importance,” he said, urging citizens to work together for a secure and prosperous Bangladesh.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman also paid tribute to the martyrs and freedom fighters, saying their sacrifices remain the foundation of the country’s independence.
“Independence Day inspires us with the spirit of courage, sacrifice and patriotism,” he said, adding that the goal remains to build a democratic, peaceful and prosperous Bangladesh free from discrimination.
As the nation observes the day, the focus remains on remembrance — of sacrifice, of struggle and of a shared history that continues to shape Bangladesh’s present and future.
