The nation will celebrate the 44th Independence and National Day on 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.
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 will be hoisted atop government and private buildings while the government and semi-government buildings and other public places will be illuminated on the auspicious occasion.
“Lakho Konthe Shonar Bangla” will be held at the National Parade Square at 11am when some 3 lakh people will altogether sing the national anthem of Bangladesh.
Special prayers will be 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.
President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will place wreaths at the National Mausoleum at Savar at sunrise.
Improved foods will be served in hospitals, jails, orphanages and vagrant homes, Muktijoddha Kendra and other charitable organisations.
Ruling Awami League has chalked out elaborate programmes to mark the Independence and National Day.
The national and party flags will be hoisted at Bangabandhu Bhaban at Dhanmondi, party’s central office on Bangabandhu Avenue as well as the offices across the country in the morning.
The ruling party leaders will place wreaths at the portrait of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Bangabandhu Bhaban at 7am. They will also place wreaths at Bangabandhu’s grave at Tungipara of Gopalganj at 11:00am.
A discussion will be held at Krishibid Institution Bangladesh at 3:30pm on Thursday where Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will speak as the chief guest.
BNP has also taken a two-day programme on the occasion.
BNP leaders and activists, led by its chairperson Khaleda Zia, will place wreaths at the National Mausoleum at Savar at 6am and at the grave of late president Ziaur Rahman at 8:00am on the day.
Besides, the party arranged a discussion the Institution of Engineers on Tuesday where the BNP chief spoke as the chief guest, said a party release on Sunday.
Meanwhile, President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia have issued separate messages on the occasion.
In his message, the President said although the country has made success in various sectors, it will have to go a long way for achieving the desired goals of Independence and building a happy and prosperous Bangladesh. “I believe concerted efforts from all strata irrespective of party affiliation are imperative in this regard.”
It is imperative that the overall development of the country is not possible without the flourish and institutionalisation of democracy, Hamid said, “Tolerance, fortitude and mutual respect are the preconditions for thriving democracy. Therefore, we have to maintain patience, self-restrain, forbearance along with showing respect to others’, opinion in a democratic pluralism.”
The President also expressed his confidence that everyone would play one’s responsible role in fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the people.
Terming the independence earned through the sacrifice of millions of people the greatest achievement of Bangalee nation, the Prime Minister in her message said, ”To make the achievement meaningful, all would have to know the true history of the liberation war, retain the spirit of the independence. It’ll have to be spread from generation to generations.”
Mentioning that the execution of the verdicts of the war crimes trials has started, she expressed her commitment to reach the fruits of independence to the doorsteps of the people.
Stating that conspiracy of the anti-liberation communal and anti-democratic forces is continuing to ruin the constitution, democracy and development activities of the government, Hasina urged the countrymen to face any ill-attempt against the independence, democracy and anti-country activities.
She also expressed her hope that every Bangalee imbued with the mantra of patriotism would engage themselves from their respective positions and with the highest sincerity, dedication and honesty to turn Bangladesh into a peaceful, non-communal and middle-income country at the Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh. “Bangladesh would be established as a dignified nation in the comity of nations.”
In her message, Khaleda Zia extended her heartfelt greetings and felicitations to the countrymen living at home and abroad.
Source: UNBConnect
