Independence Day observed with pledge to strengthen democracy

Bangladesh on Thursday marked its 56th Independence and National Day with a renewed commitment to institutionalising democracy, eradicating corruption, and ensuring equality, social justice and human dignity in keeping with the true spirit of the Liberation War.

People from all walks of life, including families of Bir Shreshthas, wounded freedom fighters, members of the diplomatic corps, political leaders, and representatives of social, cultural and professional bodies, paid heartfelt tributes to the martyrs who rose against Pakistani occupation forces in 1971 and secured independence through immense sacrifice.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman led the nation in honouring the fallen, laying wreaths at the National Memorial in Savar early in the morning.

After placing the wreaths, the President and the prime minister observed a brief silence as a mark of deep respect. 

A smartly turned-out contingent from the Bangladesh Army, Navy and Air Force presented a state salute, accompanied by the sounding of the Last Post. Both leaders later signed the visitors’ book at the memorial.

Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal paid tribute on behalf of Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, Bir Bikrom. Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury, along with judges of the Appellate and High Court Divisions and Supreme Court officials, also laid wreaths.

Flanked by cabinet members and BNP Standing Committee members, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman – also chairman of the ruling BNP – placed additional wreaths on behalf of the cabinet and his party. 

He later visited the graves of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia to pay his respects.

Opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman, accompanied by senior party figures and National Citizen Party Convener Nahid Islam, also paid homage at the memorial.

Following the departure of dignitaries, tens of thousands of people began gathering at the site from dawn to honour the martyrs.

Speaking to the Daily Sun, attendees shared their aspirations for the country. Wounded freedom fighter Faijul Islam said Bangladesh had made significant progress over the past 55 years, but had yet to fully realise the ideals of the Liberation War, calling for an end to corruption, inequality and injustice.

Shararat Azmeri, a final-year physics student at Jahangirnagar University, stressed the need to tackle nepotism, corruption and opportunism firmly, and to strengthen democratic institutions. She also called for an end to the politicisation of state institutions and for the establishment of an inclusive society grounded in equality.

The day began with a 31-gun salute at dawn.

Across the country, political parties, government and non-government organisations, and educational institutions observed the day with due solemnity.

The national flag was hoisted atop government, semi-government, autonomous and private buildings nationwide.

A grand parade and aerial display were held at the National Parade Square in the capital’s old airport area. The President, as chief guest, inspected the parade and took the salute from an open jeep, while the prime minister attended the event.

National anthem performances, student assemblies and parades were held at divisional, district and upazila levels. Streets and public spaces were adorned with national flags and colourful decorations.

The day was observed as a public holiday. Newspapers published special supplements, while electronic media aired programmes highlighting the Liberation War.

Cultural institutions, including Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Bangla Academy, the National Museum, the Liberation War Museum and Bangladesh Shishu Academy, organised discussions, cultural events and competitions for children, alongside film screenings and documentaries.

Bangladesh Navy and Coast Guard vessels were opened to visitors at various locations, including Chattogram, Khulna, Mongla, Payra, Sadarghat, Narayanganj and Barishal.

In the afternoon, the President and his wife, Dr Rebeka Sultana, hosted a reception at Bangabhaban for Bir Shreshtha families and decorated freedom fighters. The chiefs of the three armed services – Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Nazmul Hassan and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan – attended the programme.

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Sports events, including football, T20 cricket and kabaddi, were held across the country. The Bangladesh Football Federation organised a match for former players at the National Stadium, attended by the Prime Minister and his daughter, Zaima Rahman.

Receptions for freedom fighters and families of martyrs were also held nationwide. The postal department issued commemorative stamps, and special prayers were offered at places of worship for the martyrs and the nation’s peace and prosperity.

Improved meals were served in hospitals, prisons, orphanages and care homes, while children’s parks and museums were opened free of charge.