Various programs have been planned to commemorate the Great Independence and National Day on March 26 with due reverence. The celebrations will begin at dawn with a 31-gun salute across the country, including in Dhaka.
According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs on Monday (March 24), the official programs will commence with President Md Shahabuddin and Interim Government’s Chief Advisor Dr Muhammad Yunus laying wreaths at the National Memorial in Savar at sunrise. They will be followed by the Liberation War Affairs Advisor, families of the Bir Sreshtho (the highest gallantry awardees), wounded freedom fighters, and other valiant freedom fighters, who will also offer floral tributes. Later, foreign diplomats, political and social organizations, and the general public will pay homage by placing wreaths at the memorial.
Additionally, tributes will be paid at district and upazila-level memorials. The national flag will be hoisted, the national anthem will be sung, and students from various educational institutions will participate in parades at divisional, district, and upazila levels.
On this day, the national flag will be raised at sunrise on all government, semi-government, autonomous, and private buildings, as well as on prominent structures in Dhaka. Important buildings and landmarks will be illuminated, except on the night of March 25, in remembrance of the tragic genocide.
Key roads and intersections in Dhaka and other cities will be decorated with national flags and banners.
March 26 is a public holiday. On this occasion, the President and Chief Advisor will issue official messages. Newspapers will publish special supplements, articles, and literary features, while electronic media will broadcast Liberation War-related programs throughout the month.
The Ministry of Liberation War Affairs has also announced that institutions such as Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Bangla Academy, National Museum, Liberation War Museum, and Bangladesh Shishu Academy will host discussions, cultural programs, children's art competitions, essay and sports contests, and screenings of documentaries and films based on the Liberation War.
Furthermore, receptions will be arranged in the metropolitan, district, and upazila areas to honour freedom fighters and families of martyrs. The Bangladesh Postal Department will issue commemorative stamps in observance of the day.
Special prayers and religious services will be held across the country, seeking peace, prosperity, and progress.
On this occasion, hospitals, prisons, children's homes, old-age homes, shelters, and daycare centres will serve special meals.
Children's parks and museums will be open to the public free of charge. As part of the celebrations, Bangladesh Navy and Coast Guard ships will be open for public visits from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at Chattogram, Khulna, Mongla, and Payra ports, as well as Dhaka's Sadarghat, Narayanganj's Pagla, Barisal, and Chandpur BIWTA terminals.
Similar programs will also be held at the district and upazila levels, as well as at Bangladesh embassies abroad, to highlight the significance of the day.
