Thousands of people, including national leaders and officials, gathered at the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar on Thursday to honour those who died in the Liberation War on Independence and National Day.
From early morning, the Shaheed Bedi was covered with floral wreaths as visitors arrived carrying flowers, banners and national flags.
President Muhammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman placed wreaths at the main altar around 6am, marking the start of the official programme.
A bugle sounded a solemn tune as contingents from the Bangladesh Army, Navy and Air Force presented a state salute and guard of honour.
The president and prime minister stood in silence to remember the martyrs, followed by cabinet members and leaders of political, social and cultural organisations who laid wreaths one after another.
Prayers were offered for the souls of the martyrs and for the peace and well-being of the country. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman also spoke with injured freedom fighters, families of martyrs and invited guests, before signing the visitors’ book.
Leaders from different parties also paid tribute. Opposition leader in parliament and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman said they came to fulfil a duty and prayed for the country’s independence and peace. “People want a nation free from violence, corruption and discrimination,” he added.
National Citizen Party (NCP) Convenor Nahid Islam said Bangladesh should be built on the ideals of the 1971 Liberation War and the 2024 mass uprising, with equality and human dignity. “Many goals of independence remain unfulfilled. We hope future generations will not need to make similar sacrifices,” he said.
Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said, “We have pledged to build a new Bangladesh and will work to make it truly happy and prosperous.”
The BNP secretary general further said, “Ziaur Rahman inspired the nation to join the Liberation War, leading to independence after nine months of struggle. We observe Independence Day in a free environment, but we miss Begum Khaleda Zia today.”
After formal events, the memorial opened to the public, with visitors from across the country covering the main altar with flowers.
Sumon Rahman – a visitor – said the country should focus on peace and unity. “We do not want more dark chapters. We want a new Bangladesh with unity, peace and progress.”
Mohammad Sajjad noted that many families of martyrs still feel overlooked even after 55 years of independence. “They are not properly included in national events. Our country was not given to us. It was earned with the blood of millions of martyrs and the honour of mothers and sisters,” he said.
A fifth grader, surnamed Mon, visited the memorial with his mother. “Today is 26 March, Independence Day of the martyrs. I came to pay my respects. It feels very good to be here,” he said.
After 18 years, the grand parade returned to the National Parade Ground in Tejgaon, with the president taking the salute and the prime minister present. The event featured the armed forces, police units and air displays.
Across the country, Independence Day observances included 31-gun salutes, wreath-laying ceremonies, flag hoisting, prayers, parades and cultural programmes. The day brought people together in remembrance of the martyrs, reflecting on the sacrifices that secured the nation’s freedom and reinforcing a shared commitment to democracy, justice and equality.
