The 42nd Independence and National Day will be celebrated today with a fresh vow to institutionalise democracy and complete the trial of crimes against humanity committed during the war for independence in 1971.
Bangladesh’s independence was formally announced this day in 1971 with Bengalis taking up arms against the Pakistani occupation forces who had committed one of the worst genocide in modern history during the nine-month war.
The war culminated in the liberation of Bangladesh on December 16 after the supreme sacrifice of three million people.
The nation will observe the day paying homage to the independence war martyrs.
The day is a public holiday.
The president, Zillur Rahman, the prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, and the leader of the opposition in parliament, Khaleda Zia, issued messages greeting the countrymen on the occasion.
The president paid respect to the martyrs and freedom fighters. He also called for making parliament as a centre of excellence in solving national issues through discussions.
‘Yet, we 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,’ said the president.
‘Without institutionalising democracy, overall development is difficult to attain. Tolerance, fortitude and respect for others’ opinion are preconditions for a flourishing democracy. It is, therefore, of paramount importance to maintain patience and forbearance at all levels and to be respectful to others’ views in democratic pluralism,’ he said.
The prime minister in her message called on the people to guard against conspiracies of anti-democratic forces. ‘The defeated anti-liberation, communal and identified reactionary forces are out to undo the democratic and development process of our beloved country as our government has taken steps to start trial of war criminals. I urge the countrymen to foil the evil designs,’ she said.
The leader of the opposition in parliament paid tributes to the martyrs of the independence war. She said the country had repeatedly failed to achieve the goal of establishing democracy in the true sense. Repeated interference of fascist and autocrats disrupted the process to achieve democracy, she said.
‘Conspiracies are on to make Bangladesh a client state. Killing of Bangladesh nationals along the border and allowing India corridor in the name of transit are continuing. We all have to remain alert to thwart such conspiracies, protect the country’s independence and uphold the flag of democracy,’ she said.
Newspapers will bring out special supplements today. The state-run Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar and private radio and television channels will air special programmes highlighting the significance of the day.
Various political, social and cultural organisations have chalked up elaborate programmes to mark the day.
A thirty-one gun salute will herald the beginning of the day’s programmes. The national flag will be hoisted atop government, semi-government and private buildings. Public places will be illuminated.
Important public and private buildings and road islands will also be decorated with flags and festoons.
Improved diets will be served in hospitals, jails, orphanages, vagrant homes, Muktijoddha Kendra and other charity organisations.
Security has, meanwhile, been heightened across the country, especially in the capital city and its suburbs on the occasion.
Rapid Action Battalion has set up check points to extend security assistance to the police.
Different agencies have been directed to conduct block raids on guest houses, slums and crime points in the capital. Strong vigilance on highways and in border areas will be maintained, the police said.
A number of closed-circuit television cameras have been set up at the National Martyrs’ Memorial at Savar. One square kilometre area from the memorial will be under security watch.
The president and prime minister will place wreaths at the National Martyrs’ Memorial at sunrise to pay homage to the martyrs of the war of independence.
Zillur Rahman will also host a reception at Bangabhaban on the occasion.
The Awami League has chalked up a two-day programme to mark the day. Today’s programmes include hoisting of the national and party flags at Bangabandhu Bhaban and all party offices across the country and placing wreaths at the National Martyrs’ Memorial and at the portrait of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The party will hold a discussion at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre on Tuesday.
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party will also hoist the national and party flags atop all its offices. It also held a discussion to mark the day at the Institution of Engineers Bangladesh on Sunday.
Bangladesh missions abroad will hoist the national flag, hold discussions, organise cultural programmes, host receptions and publish special supplements in foreign newspapers.
The Workers Party of Bangladesh will place a wreath at the National Martyrs’ Memorial at 7:00am and the Communist Party of Bangladesh at 8:00am.
Bangabandhu Parishad, Gana Forum, Revolutionary Workers Party of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Krishak Sramik Mukti Andolan, National Garments Workers’ Federation, Bangabandhu Sangskritik Jote and Bangladesh Mahila Parishad will also place wreaths at the memorial.
Buglers of the three forces will perform at different points in the city. Ships of Bangladesh Navy will be open for public view at Dhaka Sadarghat, Pagla, Chittagong, Mongla and Khulna ports and Barisal river port.
Border Guard Bangladesh will give a guard of honour at Simanta Gaurab monument at Pilkhana at 8:30am.
Bangla Academy will hold a discussion and cultural programme at Nazrul Mancha on its premises at 4:00pm. Dhaka Writers Forum will hold an art competition and cultural programme in the Old Dhaka at 3:00pm.
Nazrul Academy will hold a day-long cultural programme from 10:00am on the academy premises.
National Press club will hold an art competition and cultural programme on the club premises on the morning.
Liberation War Museum will hold a cultural programme on its premises at 9:00am.
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