The nation is celebrating the 44th Independence and National Day today (Wednesday) with a fresh vow to turn Bangladesh into a peaceful and non-communal country to materialise dreams of the martyrs.
On this day in 1971, the unarmed valiant Bangalees of the then East Pakistan burst into a flame to resist the Pakistani occupation forces who unleashed the worst genocide in the world’s history to suppress them.
The peace-loving people took up arms as their paramount leader, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, declared independence on March 26.
After the nine-month war with the supreme sacrifice of three million people and loss of chastity of 0.2 million women, Bangladesh gained independence on December 16, 1971.
President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid rich tributes to the martyrs of the Liberation War by placing wreaths at the National Mausoleum marking the day.
After placing the wreaths, both the President and the Prime Minister stood there in solemn silence for sometime as a mark of respect to the memories of the martyrs of 1971 Liberation War.
A smartly-turned out contingent drawn from the army, navy and air force gave salute as the bugle played the last post at that time.
Later, the Prime Minister placed a wreath at the National Mausoleum on behalf of Bangladesh Awami League.
Meanwhile, over 2.5 lakh people sang the national anthem in chorus at the National Parade Ground on Wednesday marking the Independence Day and aiming to set a new world record.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina along with her cabinet members, MPs, politicians, cultural personalities, workers and students joined the programme and sang ‘Amar Sonar Bangla’ in chorus.
The day is a public holiday.
The government, different political parties, socio-cultural organisations and professional bodies have chalked out elaborate programmes to mark the day.
The national flag has been hoisted atop government and private buildings while the government and semi-government buildings and other public places will be illuminated on the auspicious occasion.
Special prayers are being offered at mosques, temples, churches and pagodas, seeking divine blessings for the departed souls of the martyrs as well as peace, stability and progress of the country.
Ruling Awami League has chalked out elaborate programmes to mark the Independence and National Day.
BNP has also taken a two-day programme on the occasion.
Meanwhile, President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia have issued separate messages on the occasion.
Source: UNBConnect
