The Bengali nation, which had once been mockingly termed a bottomless basket, is celebrating the golden jubilee of its independence today while graduating to a developing nation.
This year, Independence Day as well as the National Day is being celebrated at home and abroad with various special and colourful programmes.
Although Bangladesh gained independence in 1971, it could not enjoy the fruits of it for years due to various conspiracies and the assassination of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman along with most of his family members and relatives, within three and a half years, on August 15 in 1975.
But, fortunately, the nation was able to turn around and step forward when Sheikh Hasina, the elder daughter of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, emerged like a phoenix.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the country has now emerged as a developing nation in the economic, health, agricultural, communications, industrial and different other aspects. Bangladesh has also gained advancement in women education and empowerment and attained self-sufficiency in food.
Bangladesh is now considered to be an example of development all over the world.
In the wake of the military crackdown, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who became the undisputed leader of the then Pakistan following the massive victory of his party, Awami League, in the 1970 general elections, declared the independence of Bangladesh through the then EPR (East Pakistan Rifles) wireless at 00-30 hours on March 26 (the night following March 25) in 1971 at his historic Road-32 residence at Dhanmondi here.
The great leader also called upon the people to build up strong resistance against the barbaric occupation forces of Pakistan.
The Pakistani military junta, in a bid to stop the legitimate movement of the Bangalees, arrested the Bangabandhu on that night following his declaration of independence. Later, the Bangabandhu was taken to the then West Pakistan where he had to spend nine months in a dark condemned cell.
Bangabandhu wrote down the declaration of independence soon after the Pakistan army cracked down on the fateful night of March 25, 1971.
The declaration of independence was soon put on air by wireless. The declaration was first broadcast by Awami League leader MA Hannan from Kalurghat Radio Station in the port city of Chattogram on March 26, 1971.
However, on March 27, 1971, the then Major Ziaur Rahman announced the proclamation of independence on behalf of great leader Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman from the same radio station.
It is widely known that the Bengali nation achieved its victory through a nine-month- long war against the Pakistani military, that was aided by a section of anti-liberation forces like Rajakars, Al-Badars, Al-Shams and members of so called ‘Peace Committees’.
During the nine-month- long War of Liberation, around 30 lakh Bengalis had to sacrifice their today for our tomorrow. The Pakistani military also assaulted thousands of our mothers and sisters. With the sacrifices, Bangladesh achieved its Independence on December 16 in 1971.
On the occasion, the government has taken elaborate programmes to celebrate the golden jubilee of the Independence of Bangladesh as well as the National Day while maintaining health guidelines.
On this auspicious occasion, glowing tributes will be paid to the martyrs and veterans of the War of Liberation.
The National Mausoleum at Savar will be the main venue of the celebration of the day where President Md Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina are scheduled to place wreaths early in the morning as a mark of profound respect to the memory of the martyrs.
Families of BirShreshthas, war- wounded freedom fighters, members of the diplomatic corps, leaders of different political parties, social, cultural and professional bodies and people from all walks of life will also lay wreaths at the national memorial in the morning on the day.
The day’s programmes will be heralded by 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 its coveted Independence in 1971.
The national flag will fly atop all government and private buildings while all streets and important intersections of the city have been decorated with national and multi-coloured miniature flags and festoons.
Important buildings and establishments as well as city streets and islands have been illuminated with colourful lights.
National dailies have brought out special supplements while Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television, private radio stations and television channels are airing month-long special programmes on Liberation War and highlighting the significance of the day.
Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Bangla Academy, National Museum, Liberation War Museum, Bangladesh Shishu Academy, and other social and cultural organisations will arrange discussions, cultural programmes and sports competition while painting competition for children, essay and debate competition will be held virtually.
Reception will be accorded to freedom fighters and the family members of martyred freedom fighters at city, zila and upazila levels, while Bangladesh Postal Office will relese commemorative postal stamps.
Special prayers will be offered in all mosques, temples, churches and other places of worship across the country seeking divine blessings for the eternal peace of the departed souls of Father of the Nation, four national leaders, martyrs of the War of Liberation and all other patriotic sons of the soil.
Improved meals will be served to the inmates of hospitals, jails, old homes and orphanage centres to mark the day. The country’s children’s parks and museums will remain open for all.
Different political parties as well as socio-cultural and professional organisations have also taken various programmes to observe the day in a befitting manner.