The nation is celebrating the 54th Independence and National Day today (March 26) in a befitting manner.
The day's programmes started by heralding gun salutes early in the morning as a mark of profound respect for 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.
Important buildings and establishments as well as city streets and islands have been illuminated with colourful lights.
The National Martyrs' Memorial at Savar is the main venue of the day's celebration.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and visiting Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck paid rich tributes to the Liberation War martyrs by placing wreaths at the National Martyrs' Memorial here on the outskirts of the capital early this morning, marking the 54th Independence and National Day.
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, also placed wreaths at the national memorial in the morning.
National dailies bring out special supplements while Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television, private radio stations and television channels air month-long special programmes on the Liberation War 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 arrange discussions, cultural programmes and sports competition while painting competition, essay and debate competitions are being organised for children.
Liberation War based documentaries and movies are screened at cinema halls across the country.
Special prayers are being offered at 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.
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: 1027 HRS, MAR 26, 2024
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