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Published : 26 Mar 2025, 03:25 AM
Bangladesh stands at the threshold of its 54th anniversary of independence—its red and green flag soaring high, a symbol of hard-won freedom wrested from the chains of Pakistani exploitation and oppression.
This year, the spirit of March 26 is rekindled by a new force: the youth, inspired by the flames of the July Uprising.
Their vision reaches beyond victory—toward a future free of discrimination, where justice and equality flourish.
Wednesday’s celebrations echo with their voices, filled with determination and dreams, as they vow to shape a more inclusive tomorrow—one worthy of the sacrifices etched in the nation’s soil.
The entire country is decked out in red and green to mark the day of breaking free from subjugation; Bangladesh is set to celebrate the joyous occasion of independence while paying tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War.
On the occasion of Independence and National Day, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus have extended their greetings to the nation.
In his message, the president urged every citizen to rise from their place in society and contribute to the dream of a Bangladesh free from discrimination and exploitation.
He said, “Let us continue to advance the country and nation towards development and prosperity, and let a new Bangladesh rise, standing tall on the world stage—this is my hope on this great Independence and National Day.”
Shahabuddin extended heartfelt greetings and warm congratulations to all Bangladeshis living both at home and abroad.
He also paid tribute to the heroic sacrifices of the martyrs who gave their lives during the nine-month-long Liberation War.
“In achieving the desired goals of independence," he said, "we must strengthen democracy, promote tolerance, uphold human rights, and consolidate the rule of law.
“We must ensure equality, transparency, and accountability in all sectors of the state and society.”
He added, "In the July Uprising, the youth once again gave their fresh blood to fulfil the unaccomplished dreams of our independence.
"It is our sacred duty to build a safe, happy, beautiful, and prosperous Bangladesh for the new generation."
Yunus, in his message, called for an oath to work towards the development, peace, and prosperity of the country while embodying the spirit of the Liberation War.
He said, "The achievement of independence was the final step in our long struggle for dignity, survival, and the attainment of rights.
“It was through the bloody Liberation War that Bangladesh rose as an independent nation, and its formal beginning was marked on this very day."
"I pay my deepest respects to the brave martyrs who gave their lives in the great Liberation War, whose ultimate sacrifice granted us the long-awaited independence," the chief advisor added.
The interim prime minister highlighted the determination to advance Bangladesh in its new reality.
He said, "For the past 16 years, the people of the country have been deprived of the benefits of independence.
“The successful mass uprising of students, workers, and the public freed the people from the grip of authoritarianism.
"The interim government is committed to further developing and strengthening the country and ensuring that the full benefits of independence reach the people.
“Through essential reforms in all sectors of the state, we are working towards establishing good governance and justice, promoting people-centred and sustainable development, and ensuring transparency and accountability," Yunus added.
INDEPENDENCE DAY PROGRAMMES
To mark the Independence and National Day with due respect, a comprehensive programme has been planned at the national level.
The day will begin with a 31-gun salute at dawn across the country, including in Dhaka.
As the sun rises, the president and the chief advisor will lay wreaths at the National Martyrs' Memorial in Savar.
Following this, under the leadership of the Liberation War affairs advisor, the families of the Bir Shreshthho, war-wounded freedom fighters, and valiant freedom fighters will lay wreaths.
Foreign diplomats, different political and social organisations, along with people from all walks of life, will also pay their respects by laying wreaths at the memorial to honour the fallen heroes of the Liberation War.
The National Martyrs' Memorial in Savar has been prepared for the main celebrations, with tight security arrangements by law-enforcing agencies.
After the chief advisor’s tribute, the memorial will be open for the public to pay their respects.
On Independence Day, as soon as the sun rises, the national flag will be hoisted on all government, semi-government, autonomous, and private buildings, as well as prominent buildings visible from Dhaka city.
Important buildings and landmarks will be decorated with lights.
Major roads and traffic islands in Dhaka and different cities across the country will be adorned with national flags and other flags. It will be a public holiday.
The Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Bangla Academy, National Museum, Liberation War Museum, Bangladesh Shishu Academy, and other social and cultural organisations will organise discussions, cultural programmes, drawing competitions for children, writing and sports competitions, screenings of documentaries and films based on the Liberation War.
In addition, war veterans and members of martyr families will be honoured in cities, districts, and Upazilas.
The Bangladesh Post Office has issued a commemorative postal stamp for the 54th Independence Day.
