The nation, joined by many other countries, celebrated the golden jubilee of Bangladesh’s independence in a magnificent way with a fresh vow to build Sonar Bangla dreamt by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
World leaders joined the 10-day celebration with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi gracing the final day programmes in Dhaka on Friday when he resolved that the two neighbours will forge ahead and attain further progress unitedly.
People from all walks of life saluted the courage and supreme sacrifice of the war heroes who had defeated the marauding Pakistani forces and earned independence after the nine-month war.
They, who joined the celebration following coronavirus-related health guidelines, made a fresh pledge to take the country forward being imbued with the spirit that led the nation to the Liberation War.
The celebration this year has reached a new height as many world leaders, including presidents and prime ministers of different countries, took part in it physically or virtually to share the joy and prides of the Bengalis.
The Prime Ministers of India, Bhutan and Sri Lanka, and the President of Nepal are among the leaders who joined the celebration in person while the top leaders of the United States, China, France, South Korea, Japan, German and Russia are among those who took part in the celebration virtually.
Russia, the United Kingdom, China and several other countries arranged various programmes as part of the celebration of the golden jubilee of Bangladesh’s independence.
Fifty years ago, in the face of a brutal massacre by the Pakistani military, freedom-loving people of this land got united following the call of independence by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and secured the monumental victory.
The spirit of the Liberation War is universal among the Bangladeshis as they recall Bangabandhu and freedom fighters, who sacrificed their lives for Bangladesh.
Bangabandhu’s call upon the people to build up strong resistance against the Pakistani barbaric occupation forces united the unarmed nation against the armed Pakistanis to achieve their rights.
During the war, around 30 lakh people were killed while around two hundred thousand of women were violated by Pakistanis and their collaborators.
Neighbouring India played significant roles in the independence of Bangladesh by providing arms, ammunition, training and shelter to millions of Bengalis.
The government took elaborated programmes to celebrate the golden jubilee of the independence. On this auspicious occasion, glowing tributes were paid to the martyrs and veterans of the War of Liberation.
The National Mausoleum at Savar was the main venue of the celebration of the day where President Md Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, among others, placed wreaths early in the morning.
The main celebration was held at the National Parade Ground in capital where the Indian Prime Minister, and the Bangladesh President and Prime Minister spoke, among others.
Earlier, families of Bir Shreshthas, 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 laid wreaths at the national mausoleum with fresh vow to build Sonar Bangla (Golden Bengal).
The day’s programmes began by heralding 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 until achieving their independence in 1971.
The national flag remained hoisted atop all government and private buildings while all streets and important intersections of the city were decorated with national and multi-coloured miniature flags and festoons.
Important buildings and establishments as well as city streets and islands were illuminated with colourful lights.
National dailies brought out special supplements while Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television, private radio stations and television channels aired special programmes on Liberation War 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 arranged discussions, cultural programmes and sports competition, painting competition, easy and debate competition.
Special prayers were 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 were served to the inmates of hospitals, jails, old homes and orphanage centres to mark the day. The country’s all children’s parks and museums remained open for all.
Different political parties as well as socio-cultural and professional organisations arranged various programmes to observe the day in a befitting manner.
