Bangladesh celebrates 55th Independence Day with hope for ‘discrimination-free, equitable’ nation

Bangladesh is marking its 55th Independence and National Day, celebrating its liberation from Pakistani exploitation and oppression to hoist the red-and-green flag of sovereignty and honouring the sacrifices of 1971 martyrs.

This year’s celebrations come at a pivotal moment in the country’s political landscape.

Following 15 and a half years of Awami League rule and an 18-month tenure under an interim government, the nation is now under a new BNP-led administration.

The government has pivoted its focus toward building a "discrimination-free and equitable" society, moving slightly away from the previous trajectory of developing-nation milestones.

The anniversary is being observed amid concerns that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East could impact the domestic economy.

Despite these challenges, the country is adorned in red and green, with citizens prepared to honour the memory of the 1971 martyrs.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin, in a message to the nation, highlighted the importance of “strong national unity, compassion, and patriotism” in building a self-reliant, dynamic, and just Bangladesh.

“Long years of misrule, global economic pressures, and adverse fuel conditions have affected the nation,” he said. “The government is responding with utmost sincerity and skill to establish a fair and prosperous country.

“I urge all citizens, irrespective of party affiliation, to work together for a safe and industrious Bangladesh for present and future generations.”

Honouring those who gave their lives in the Liberation War, he added: “The extraordinary sacrifices of martyrs, including president Ziaur Rahman Bir Uttam, all freedom fighters, oppressed mothers and sisters, national leaders, organisers and citizens, inspire us to advance boldly towards an equal, justice-based, and democratic Bangladesh.”

He stressed that true independence requires ensuring equality, good governance, transparency, accountability, and empowerment for all layers of society.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, in his message, said Independence Day rejuvenates the spirit of courage and sacrifice.

"The main goal of independence was to establish a discrimination-free, democratic, peaceful, and prosperous Bangladesh," the head of government said.

He urged the public to draw inspiration from the significance of the day to accelerate the country's progress.

"Let us work collectively to build a developed, prosperous, and dignified Bangladesh," he added.

The Blood-Soaked Path To Freedom

The Pakistan Army launched a brutal genocide on the night of Mar 25, 1971, in a violent attempt to crush the Bengali movement for liberation.

This atrocity paved the way for a definitive resistance.

In the early hours of March 26, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared Bangladesh an independent sovereign state.

Though Bangabandhu was subsequently arrested by Pakistani forces, the struggle for freedom commenced under his leadership.

Guided by the Mujibnagar Government, nine months of armed conflict led the Bengali nation to the shores of liberty, marking the emergence of Bangladesh on the world map.

The departure of the British in 1947 had not brought true freedom to the people of Bengal, whose lives remained shackled by Pakistani exploitation.

It was Sheikh Mujib -- affectionately titled “Bangabandhu” by his people -- who awakened the nation with the mantra of breaking those chains.

Following his historic speech on Mar 7, 1971, the Pakistan Army launched Operation Searchlight on Mar 25, turning Dhaka into a valley of death.

Despite fierce resistance at Rajarbagh Police Lines and the EPR Headquarters in Pilkhana, the defenders could not hold out long against heavy weaponry.

Machine guns, artillery fire, and arson triggered a hellish massacre across the city.

Amidst this savagery, Bangabandhu sent out a wireless message via the EPR declaring independence before his arrest.

International media quickly picked up the news of the resistance; on Mar 27, the BBC, citing reports from Kolkata, announced that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had called upon the public to resist via a clandestine radio broadcast.

The ensuing nine-month struggle culminated in victory on Dec 16, 1971, earned at the cost of three million martyrs and the honour of countless women.

This immense sacrifice gave birth to the new state of Bangladesh.

This year, Independence Day arrives as the new BNP government, elected through the parliamentary polls, completes its first month in office.

The Awami League, which led the Liberation War but was ousted in the 2024 uprising, remains largely absent from active politics, and many of its leaders are off the ground.

In a shift from the previous administration -- which was accused of marginalising the contributions of Sector Commander Ziaur Rahman Bir Uttam -- the new political reality places him at the forefront.

Notably, the names of the independence leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman were absent from the official messages issued by the president and the prime minister.

Parade Returns to Independence Day

The National Parade Ground is set to host a military parade this Independence Day, marking a significant return under the new BNP-led government.

The last time such a parade was held on Mar 26 was in 2008.

Throughout the Awami League's 15-and-a-half-year tenure, the traditional display of military prowess was shifted to Victory Day on Dec 16 instead.

Following the ousting of the Awami League government in the August 2024 mass uprising, the subsequent interim government oversaw one Independence Day and two Victory Days, though no parades were organised during that period.

The parade and a spectacular flypast are scheduled to begin at 9am on Thursday at the National Parade Square, located at the Old Tejgaon Airport.

Both President Shahabuddin and Tarique are expected to attend.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed that all preparations are complete, following a final rehearsal of the parade and hardware display on Tuesday.

Nationwide Programmes

A comprehensive range of programmes has been organised across the country to observe Independence and National Day with "due solemnity".

The day will commence at dawn with a 31-gun salute in Dhaka and all district and Upazila headquarters.

The national flag will be hoisted atop all government, semi-government, autonomous, and private buildings at sunrise.

Large-scale flags will also be displayed at Bangladesh embassies abroad, city corporations, and prominent high-rise buildings in the capital.

The president and the prime minister will lead the nation in paying tribute by placing wreaths at the National Memorial in Savar.

They will be followed by families of the Bir Sreshthas, war-wounded veterans, and foreign diplomats.

Later, the president will host a reception at Bangabhaban for the families of the Bir Sreshthas and living gallantry award-winning freedom fighters.

At 8am, the national flag will be formally hoisted at all administrative levels, accompanied by the national anthem and displays by students from educational institutions.

Schools will also host essay, recitation, and art competitions focusing on the significance of the Liberation War.

In a unique display, ships from the Bangladesh Navy and Coast Guard will be open to the public from 9am until sunset at major ports and terminals, including Chattogram, Khulna, Mongla, Payra, Dhaka’s Sadarghat, Narayanganj, and Barishal.

Commemorating the occasion, Tarique inaugurated a Tk 10 commemorative postage stamp, alongside an opening cover and a special data card, on Tuesday.

Festivities will extend to the sporting arena with football matches, T20 cricket tournaments, and traditional games like Kabaddi and Ha-du-du at the local level.

State and private broadcasters will air special programmes on the history of the Liberation War, while cinemas and museums -- including children's amusement centres -- will remain open to the public free of charge.

Special prayers will be offered at mosques, temples, churches, and pagodas for the departed souls of martyrs and the nation's prosperity.

Improved diets and festive meals will be served in hospitals, jails, orphanages, and elderly care homes.

In a notable shift in the political landscape, the main opposition party, Jamaat-e-Islami, has announced a two-day programme.

This included a discussion at the National Press Club on Wednesday, with plans to hoist the national flag at their central office on Thursday.

Party Ameer Shafiqur Rahman is also scheduled to place a wreath at the National Memorial.

The day’s events will conclude with a grand cultural evening at Manik Mia Avenue at 7pm, featuring the Armed Forces orchestra and the band Warfaze.

The mountaineering group Abhijatri and the Liberation War Museum will also conduct the “Shoke Theke Shokti” (strength from grief) march, starting from the Central Shaheed Minar and ending with a formal oath at the National Memorial.