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Published : 26 Mar 2026, 04:33 PM
Abdullah Raju, an architect, has come to the National Parade Ground with his child from Dhaka’s Uttara. There they enjoyed the colourful combined forces parade on Independence Day, which has been held after an 18-year gap.
Holding his child’s hand while leaving the venue, the father said: “You can call it a legacy. I used to come here when I was young, holding my father’s hand. He is no longer alive. So, bringing my child here is my responsibility.”
Raju expressed his desire to take on the responsibility of planting the seeds of independence and patriotism in his child’s mind. He said instead of blaming new generations, it is the responsibility of elders to teach them, as children learn by observing adults.
Thousands of people gathered at the National Parade Ground in Dhaka on Thursday to enjoy the Independence Day parade. Alongside officials on state duty, people from Dhaka and surrounding areas also came just to enjoy the event.
Children and teenagers seemed to be at the centre of this gathering of people from all ages and professions. Accompanied by their elders, they arrived early in the morning and waited eagerly for the event to begin. After the prime minister and the president were welcomed, the main programme started, ending their wait.
Most of them had previously watched such programmes on television. Seeing it live for the first time, their faces were filled with joy. Many expressed excitement watching the disciplined soldiers march past in strict coordination.
As various forces displayed tanks, artillery and other heavy weapons and technology, children were seen volleying questions to their elders. The aerial display by the Air Force, one of the main attractions, wowed many before they turned.
Raju’s child Rajya seemed to reflect that excitement. When asked what he liked most, the schoolchild said he enjoyed everything, especially the aircraft.
Raju said, “He is very interested in aircraft and is quite up to date on the different types. He watches them on television and has seen them in parades before. So why not show him a MiG-29 directly? This kind of practical experience is good for children’s knowledge.”
Highlighting again the responsibility of elders in inspiring patriotism among children, he said: “If children internalise these things, it will benefit the country. If these are not developed within them and we just blame Gen Z or Gen Alpha, the fault is not theirs. They just do whatever they see.”
“I brought him here, so he came. If I take him to a cineplex, he will go there; if I take him to watch a game, he will go there. I am not demeaning anything, but exposing children to different environments helps build confidence and survival skills. These are my personal ideals - I am trying to raise my child with my ideology as much as possible.”
Naeem, a fifth-grade student from Rupnagar in Dhaka, also visited the parade ground with his father. A student of Rupnagar Pilot School, he said this was his first time attending such an event in person, and he liked the air show the most.
His father, garment worker Mizanur Rahman, said: “We live in Dhaka. We had planned to attend this programme after a long time. In the morning, I asked my son to get ready, and then we came together. We were able to enjoy everything.”
During the air force display, college student Fahim was seen pointing out different aircraft to his nursery-going younger brother Abdullah, who kept asking questions.
Asked how he felt, little Abdullah said he greatly enjoyed the show.
When asked what he had seen, he replied, “I saw the navy, army, police and aircraft. I liked the cannon the most.”
Fahim said he had set out at 7am from Rupganj in Narayanganj with his younger brother to attend the event. “I had never come before either. I used to watch it on television; this time I saw it live.”
The parade was once again made part of the official celebrations for Mar 26, Independence Day, after 18 years, the last such event having been held in 2008.
During the 16 years of Awami League rule, the parade was held on Victory Day, Dec 16, instead. After the Sheikh Hasina-led administration was ousted by a student-led mass uprising in 2024, the interim government that took power suspended parades and similar exhibitions.
After the BNP government, led by Tarique Rahman, assumed power, preparations for a grand event began at the National Parade Square ground from the start of Ramadan.
The formal proceedings of the parade began around 9:30am on Thursday and continued until noon. President Mohammed Shahabuddin received salutes from the stage.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan, State Minister Ishraque Hossain, Army Chief Gen Waker-Uz-Zaman, Navy Chief Admiral Mohammad Nazmul Hassan, Chief of Air Force Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, and Liberation War Ministry Secretary Israt Chowdhury were present at the event.
