Bangladesh to celebrate Independence Day on Sunday

National mausoleum for martyrs at Savar

Dhaka, Mar 24 - Bangladesh is all set to celebrate its 53rd Independence and National Day on Sunday with programmes honouring the Liberation War martyrs and vowing to realize their dreams.

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will issue separate messages extending heartfelt greetings and warm felicitations to Bangladesh citizens at home and abroad, reads a media release of the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs.

The public holiday will begin with a gun salute and wreath-laying ceremony at Savar's National Memorial in honor of the Liberation War martyrs.

At sunrise, the national flag will be flown over all government, semi-government, private, and autonomous buildings, and all significant buildings and establishments will be illuminated.

National dailies will bring out special supplements, while Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television, private radio stations, and television channels will air special programmes highlighting the significance of the day.

Bangla Academy, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Shishu Academy, National Museum, Liberation War Museum, and other social and cultural organizations will host seminars, cultural programs, painting and sports competitions for children, as well as film and documentary screenings about the liberation war. 

The families of martyrs and freedom fighters will be honored at the metropolitan, district, and upazila levels. The Bangladesh Post Office Department will unveil a special commemorative stamp to mark the day.

Meanwhile different religious institutions will hold special prayers and doa mehfil praying for the country's peace, development and prosperity.

Special-quality food will be distributed at institutions like hospitals, jails, children's homes, old-age homes, and daycare centers.

Children’s parks and museums will remain open to all throughout the day. Also, vessels of the Bangladesh Navy and Coast Guard will remain open from 2 p.m. until the evening for people to visit at Chattogram Khulna, Mongla, Payra Port, and Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) terminals in Dhaka, Narayanganj, Barishal,programs and Chandpur.

Similar programmes at district and upazila levels and Bangladesh embassies in different countries will be arranged to highlight the significance of Independence Day. - UNB