Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN) - The nation observed the 42nd Independence and National Day on Monday with a fresh vow to build a secular, democratic and prosperous Bangladesh.
As the day broke, people from all walks of life began crowding into the Liberation War memorials across the country to honour those who had laid down their lives to liberate the country.
Hundreds of thousands of people from all walks of life, who converged at the National Memorial at Savar since early morning to recall with gratitude the sacrifices of the martyrs, also took a fresh vow to uphold the spirit of the Liberation War and build a happy, prosperous and secular Bangladesh.
They also chanted full-throated slogans for an intensified campaign for expediting the ongoing trial of the war criminals of 1971 to free the nation from a stigma borne over the past 41 years.
This year the Independence Day celebrations took on a greater dimension as the government is conferring awards on some 110 foreign nationals and organizations for their outstanding contributions to the 1971 Liberation War.
The celebration of the day began with 31 gun salutes at dawn in the capital Dhaka.
President Mohammad Zillur Rahman and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina led the nation in paying tributes to the martyrs of the Liberation War by placing wreaths at the National Mausoleum at Savar at sunrise.
The president was the first to place a wreath at the altar of the memorial. The prime minister followed him.
After placing the wreaths, they stood in solemn silence for some time as a mark of profound respect to the memories of the martyrs of the Great War of Liberation in 1971.
The bugle played the last post and a smartly turned out contingent of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force presented state salute on the occasion.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina along with senior leaders of Bangladesh Awami League also placed wreaths at the National Memorial on behalf of her party.
Speaker Abdul Hamid, the chief justice, cabinet members, parliament members, senior leaders of the ruling party, chiefs of the security forces, diplomats, civil and military officials and freedom fighters were present on the occasion.
Opposition Leader Khaleda Zia, accompanied by senior leaders of her party, laid wreaths at the National Memorial to pay tribute to the martyrs.
Bangladesh's foreign friends also paid respects to the war martyrs in the morning.
The premier joined a rally of children and youths at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in the morning.
In the evening, the president hosted a reception for wounded freedom fighters, dignitaries, noted citizens and diplomats at Bangabhaban in Dhaka. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was also present.
The day was a public holiday. The national flag was hoisted atop government buildings, offices of corporate bodies, banks, leading business houses and homes to mark the day.
Improved foods were served in hospitals, jails, orphanages and vagrant homes, Muktijoddha Kendra and other charitable organizations.
Security was beefed up across the country, especially in the capital city, and its suburban areas.
On the occasion, many cultural programs were organized. The historic 7th March speech by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and patriotic songs were played at public places all around the capital.
The state-owned Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television as well as private television channels broadcast special programs and newspapers brought out special supplements highlighting the significance of the day.
Special prayers were offered at religious centres across the country for the eternal peace of the martyrs and seeking divine blessings for the country's prosperity.
The president, the prime minister and the leader of the opposition gave separate messages on the eve of the day.
The country’s independence was formally announced on this day in 1971 with unarmed Bangladeshis waging the war against the Pakistani occupation forces, which launched the worst genocide in history on the fateful night of March 25 without any warning.
After the nine-month war with the supreme sacrifice of three million people and the modesty of some two lakh women, the Bengali nation achieved the cherished independence on December 16, 1971.
BBN/SSR/AD-27Mar12-12:50 am (BST)
