Bangladesh is set to observe the Independence and National Day on Wednesday (Mar 26) amid huge enthusiasm. Various programmes have been taken at the national level to observe the day with due respect and solemnity, said a Liberation War Affairs Ministry release on Monday (Mar 24).
The day will commence with a 31-gun salute at dawn across the country including the capital.
On the day, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser of the interim government Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus will place floral wreaths at the National Memorial in Savar early in the morning as a mark of profound respect to the memories of the martyrs.
Led by Liberation War Affairs Adviser Farooq-e-Azam, 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 will also place floral wreaths at the National Memorial in the morning of the day to show their respect to the martyred freedom fighters.
Additionally, floral wreaths will also be placed at the different district and Upazila-level martyrs' memorials.
The national flag will be hoisted atop all government, semi-government, autonomous and private buildings in all the divisions, districts and upazilas across the country at sunrise. Singing of the national anthem, and student assemblies and parades at divisional, district, and upazila levels will also be held on the occasion.
To mark the day, important buildings and establishments will be illuminated with colourful lights. Main streets and road islands in the capital and other cities across the country will be decorated with national flags and other colourful flags and festoons.
The day is a public holiday.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus will issue separate messages to mark the day. Different national dailies will publish special supplements, articles and periodicals highlighting the significance of the day while electronic media will broadcast month-long special programmes based on the Liberation War.
Different social and cultural organisations including Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Bangla Academy, National Museum, Liberation War Museum, and Bangladesh Shishu Academy will organise Liberation War-based discussions, cultural events and drawing, essay writings and sports competitions for children and display Liberation War-related documentaries and film shows. Even, various types of games including football, T20 crickets and Kabadi will be organized at district and Upazila levels.
Besides, reception will be hosted for valiant freedom fighters and family members of martyred at metropolitan city, district and Upazila levels.
To mark the day, Bangladesh Postal Department will release commemorative postage stamps. Special prayers will be offered at different mosques and other worship places seeking eternal peace in the souls of martyrs of the Liberation War and peace, progress and prosperity of the country.
Improved diets will be served in hospitals, prisons cells, orphanages, old-age homes, vagabond organizes, children day care centers and other similar institutions across the country.
On the day, all children's parks and museums will be kept open for all without tickets across the country.
Bangladesh Navy and Coast Guard will keep their ships at BIWTA terminals in Chattorgram, Khulna, Mongla Port, Payra port, Sadarghat in Dhaka, Pagla in Narayanganj, Barishal and Chandpur open for all to visit on the occasion of Independence Day on Mar 26.
People can visit the ships from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the day.
Similar programmes will be taken at district and upazila levels as well as Bangladesh missions abroad highlighting the significance of the day.
