The nation is set to celebrate its 55th Independence and National Day today with extensive programmes, paying tribute to its journey of resilience and progress since liberation.
In the lead-up to 26 March 1971, East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) endured significant political, economic, and cultural discrimination under West Pakistani rule.
Despite securing a landslide victory in the December 1970 elections, the Awami League, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was denied power transfer by the West Pakistani authorities, fueling widespread discontent in East Pakistan.
On the night of 25 March 1971, the Pakistani military launched Operation Searchlight, a brutal crackdown aimed at suppressing calls for autonomy. The operation resulted in mass killings and large-scale displacement.
In response, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared independence, though he was soon arrested. On 26 March, Major Ziaur Rahman broadcast the declaration of independence over the radio, marking the formal beginning of the Bangladesh Liberation War.
The nine-month war claimed the lives of three million people and subjected two lakh women to unspeakable atrocities. Yet, through immense sacrifice and determination, the nation triumphed, securing independence on 16 December 1971.
Today, Bangladesh honours the supreme sacrifices made during the war and continues its journey of rebuilding and reform following the July uprising.
President Md Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus issued separate messages on the occasion, as reported by UNB.
In his message, the president emphasized the importance of strengthening democracy and upholding human rights, the rule of law, and transparency. He stated, “To achieve true independence, we must foster equity, accountability, and tolerance in all spheres of the state and society.
“The young generation once again sacrificed their lives during the July mass uprising to realize our unfulfilled dreams of independence. It is now our sacred duty to build a secure, prosperous, and developed Bangladesh for future generations.”
The chief adviser, in his message, highlighted the long struggle for dignity, existence, and rights. “Independence was the culmination of a prolonged movement,” he said. “However, for the past 16 years, the people have been deprived of the true benefits of freedom. Dictatorship stripped them of their rights and liberty. The successful uprising of students, workers, and the masses freed the country from this tyranny.”
He affirmed the interim government’s commitment to advancing the country by ensuring good governance, justice, and people-centric, sustainable development. “Through necessary reforms, we will enhance transparency and accountability in all aspects of the state,” he added.
Urging unity, he called upon everyone to work towards the nation`s development, peace, and prosperity while upholding the spirit of the great Liberation War.
The day is a public holiday, observed with various events organized at the national level by the interim government. The commemorations will commence with a 31-gun salute across the country, including in Dhaka, as announced by the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs.
In the morning, the president and the chief adviser will lay wreaths at the National Memorial to honour the martyrs of 1971. Families of the Birsreshtha, war-wounded veterans, and other freedom fighters, led by the Liberation War Affairs adviser, will also pay their respects.
People from different sectors will place wreaths at the National Memorial, with similar tributes planned at district and upazila memorials nationwide.
The national flag will be hoisted, and the national anthem performed at all administrative levels, including divisions, districts, and upazilas. Student rallies and parades will also take place.
National dailies will publish special supplements, while Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television, and private media outlets will broadcast special programmes highlighting the day’s significance.
Additionally, political parties, socio-cultural organisations, and professional groups have arranged various events to mark the occasion.
