The nation is set to celebrate Independence and National Day on 26 March with a series of commemorative programmes across the country and at Bangladesh missions abroad.
The day’s events will commence with gun salutes in the early morning in Dhaka and all districts and upazilas.
As the sun rises, the national flag will be hoisted atop all government, semi-government, autonomous, and private buildings. Large versions of the national flag will also be displayed at Bangladesh embassies, city corporations, and prominent high-rise buildings in the capital.
Official tributes
The president and the prime minister will lead the national observance by placing wreaths at the National Memorial to pay tribute to the martyrs.
They will be followed by members of the Bir Shrestha family, war-wounded brave freedom fighters, and valiant freedom fighters. Foreign diplomats stationed in Dhaka are also scheduled to pay their respects at the memorial.
Public events and maritime displays
In an effort to engage the public, ships of the Bangladesh Navy and Bangladesh Coast Guard will remain open for visitors from 9am until sunset at various locations, including Chattogram, Khulna, Mongla, and Payra ports, as well as Sadarghat in Dhaka, Pagla in Narayanganj, Barishal, Chandpur, and Munshiganj.
To mark the occasion, commemorative postage stamps will be issued. Besides, sports competitions, including football matches, T-20 cricket tournaments, kabaddi, and ha-du-du, will be organised at district and upazila levels.
Media and cultural observance
State broadcasters Bangladesh Television (BTV) and Bangladesh Betar, along with private channels, will air programmes focusing on the history of the Liberation War.
Cinema halls nationwide will provide free screenings of films related to the liberation struggle, while government and private museums will offer free admission from morning to evening.
\Additionally, entertainment centres will remain open for children, and colourful cultural programmes are planned for all tourist centres.
Prayers and Social Welfare Special munazat and prayers will be held at mosques, temples, churches, pagodas, and other places of worship. These services will seek forgiveness for the souls of martyred freedom fighters, the well-being of living and war-wounded veterans, and the continued peace and prosperity of the nation.
Feasts and improved diets will be provided at all public hospitals, prisons, government children’s homes, and various welfare and rehabilitation centres, including those for street children, the disabled, and the elderly.
At Bangladesh embassies abroad, discussions regarding independence and the Liberation War will be organised to mark the day.
