Nation celebrating Independence Day today

The nation is celebrating the 51st Independence and National Day today (Friday) coinciding with the grand celebration of the birth centenary ofBangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and golden jubilee of independence.

The grand celebration of the birth centenary of Bangabandhu and the golden jubilee of Bangladesh’s independence, which marked the physical attendance of five heads of states and governments and virtual attendance of other global leaders, started on March 17 at the National Parade Square in Dhaka in presence of Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

The 10-day grand celebration will end following the celebration of the country’s 51st Independence and National Day today with the attendance of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in person as the guest of honour.

Earlier, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, Nepalese President Bidya Devi Bhandari and Bhutanese Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering joined the grand celebration in person since March 17.

Marking the 51st Independence and National Day, the government has taken elaborate programmes maintaining the health guidelines in view of the global pandemic coronavirus.

On the occasion, President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages today extending heartfelt greetings and warm felicitations to the countrymen living both home and abroad.

The National Memorial at Savar is the main venue of the celebration of the day where President Md Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have placed wreaths early in the morning as a mark of profound respect to the memories of the martyrs.

People from all walks of life, including families of Bir Shreshthas, war wounded freedom fighters, members of the diplomatic corps, leaders of different political parties, social, cultural and professional bodies, are also laying wreaths at the National Memorial.

The day’s programmes began by heralding a 50-gun salute early in the morning as a mark of profound respect to the heroic struggle of this nation, which suffered a protracted subjugation under foreign rules from time to time till achieving their coveted independence in 1971.

The national flag is being hoisted atop all government, semi-government, autonomous and private buildings with the rises of sun while all streets and important city intersections have been decorated with national and multi-coloured miniature flags and festoons.

Important buildings and establishments as well as city streets and islands are illuminated with colourful lights.