A grand parade was held at the National Parade Ground in Tejgaon on Thursday, marking Independence and National Day, as the traditional event returned after more than 18 years.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin took the salute and inspected the parade as the chief guest, while Prime Minister Tarique Rahman attended the event alongside his daughter, Barrister Zaima Rahman. The parade began at 10:00am at the old airport grounds and drew thousands of spectators, including children and families, who gathered from early morning.
The President, accompanied by parade commander Major General SM Asadul Haq, General Officer Commanding of the 9th Infantry Division, inspected the contingents in an open jeep.
The Prime Minister arrived earlier with a ceremonial motorcade of military police and later received the President at the parade ground along with the chiefs of the three services.
After formal clearance, contingents marched past the saluting dais, paying honours to the President. The parade began with the mounted entry of the parade commander, who assumed charge from the deputy commander before leading the display.
Members of the Bangladesh Army, Navy and Air Force, along with Police, Coast Guard, Border Guard Bangladesh, Ansar and VDP, BNCC, Bangladesh Jail and combined female contingents, took part.
Specialised army units, including the President Guard Regiment, armoured and infantry formations, as well as East Bengal and Air Defence contingents, also participated.
The parade featured coordinated demonstrations of the country’s defence capability on land and in the air. Paratroopers descended carrying the national flag, followed by a fly-past and aerobatic display by the Air Force. Various contingents also showcased modern equipment and armoury.
Large crowds gathered at the ground to witness the parade and aerial displays, with many carrying national flags. Authorities arranged seating for visitors.
Before leaving, the President and the Prime Minister exchanged greetings with the commanders of participating contingents.
The return of the Independence Day parade on 26 March came after an 18-year gap. The event had not been held during the interim government period following political changes, although Victory Day parades on 16 December continued.
The nation observed the Independence and National Day with elaborate programmes across the country.
The day marks the beginning of the armed struggle for independence in the early hours of 26 March 1971, following the crackdown on 25 March, and honours the sacrifices that led to victory on 16 December.
Earlier, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman paid tribute to the martyrs by placing wreaths at the National Memorial in Savar. The day’s programmes began with gun salutes nationwide, and the national flag was hoisted at government and private establishments at sunrise, including Bangladesh missions abroad.
Special receptions, discussions, cultural programmes and sports events were held across the country. Educational institutions organised competitions, while television and radio channels aired special programmes on the Liberation War.
Museums and entertainment centres remained open, and special prayers were offered at places of worship for the martyrs and the nation’s peace and prosperity.
