Bangladesh to celebrate 46th Independence Day Sunday

Bangladesh is all set to celebrate the day it achieved the identity of an independent nation breaking the shackles of subjugation of Pakistan 46 years ago.

The celebration of the Independence Day will begin with a 31-gun salute at dawn on Sunday.

President Md Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will then place wreaths at National Memorial in Savar paying respects to those who sacrificed their lives for the freedom.

The memorial will then be adorned with flowers and wreaths offered by political parties, social and cultural organisations, and people from all walks of life.

After placing the wreath at the National Memorial, the prime minister will attend a gathering of children at Bangabandhu National Stadium.

Government and non-government organisations will organise various programmes across the country to celebrate the day.

The day marks the beginning of the fight by Bengalis in erstwhile East Pakistan for freedom.

On the night of Mar 25, 1971, the Pakistan Army launched 'Operation Searchlight', a brutal and barbaric military assault on an unsuspecting population to crush the Bengali movement for rights and justice that had turned to a fight for freedom in the face of persistent denials.

The nation’s founding father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was detained that night. Before he was picked up, he had proclaimed independence.

The undisputed leader of the Bengalis had effectively announced the nation’s independence at the historic Mar 7 rally at the Racecourse grounds when he thundered: “Ebarer sangram amader muktir sangram, ebarer sangram swadhinatar sangram (This time the struggle is for our freedom. This time the struggle for our independence).”

After nine months of the bloody war, Bangladesh emerged on the world map on Dec 16, surfing through an 'ocean of blood'.

Nearly three million people, mostly Bengali civilians, died in these nine months, more than a quarter of a million Bengali women were dishonoured - something that makes Bangladesh's freedom a very hard-earned one.

For the first time this year, Bangladesh nationally observed Mar 25 as Genocide Day commemorating those killed by the Pakistani occupation on that night in 1971. Bangladesh is also pitching for global recognition of the Day.   

Marking the Independence Day, President Md Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have issued separate messages.

President Hamid in his message urged all Bangladeshi citizens in the country and abroad to work together with the spirit of Liberation War and democratic values to speed up overall development.   

He recalled Bangabandhu with 'profound respect' and the four National Leaders, freedom fighters, and every other person who contributed to the struggle for freedom with 'deep reverence'.

Mentioning Bangladesh's achievements in development, the president said, "We have to go a long way to achieving the desired goals of independence. I believe that sincere and concerted efforts from all strata irrespective of party affiliation are imperative to reach the goals."

He also said that the people of Bangladesh had a 'great love' for democracy, development and peace and added: "they do not support any sorts of violence including militancy and terrorism".

"We should keep in mind that the thriving of democracy and its institutionalisation is very important for attaining overall development. Therefore, we have to maintain patience, self-restraint and forbearance in our national life along with showing respect to others' opinion in a democratic pluralism," he said.

In her message, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina greeted the people, saying, "It is the day of earning self-identity of the nation, and it's the day of breaking the shackles of subjugation."

Emphasising the knowledge of real history, she said, "To ensure that this achievement remains meaningful, all have to know the history of our great liberation war and retain the spirit of independence ...the history has to be passed on to generation to generation."

She also called for unity to tackle any ill-motivated move by the anti-liberation forces.

"Let's join our hands to build a non-communal, hunger-poverty free and happy, prosperous 'Sonar Bangla' as dreamt by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman," she said.

Programmes

The main streets of Dhaka and other parts of the country have been decorated with national and colourful flags.

All important buildings have been illuminated.

The national flag will be hoisted at all government, semi-government, statutory and private establishments on Saturday morning.

Newspapers will publish supplements to mark the day, while state-run Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar, and private radio and TV stations will broadcast special programmes.

The ministries of Liberation War affairs and cultural affairs will organise cultural programmes and discussions.

All places of worship will hold special prayers while prisoners, patients at hospitals, orphans, and students will be served special food.

The Bangladesh embassies abroad will also organise Independence Day programmes.