Great Independence and National Day today. On the night of March 25, 1971, the Pakistani military launched ‘Operation Searchlight’, a sudden genocidal campaign against Bengalis, and arrested Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the undisputed leader of the Bengali nation. Before his arrest, Bangabandhu announced the independence of Bangladesh in the early hours of March 26 in Dhaka. Bangabandhu’s announcement was broadcasted in various media including Bangladesh.

Before Bangabandhu was arrested from his residence in Dhanmondi at midnight on March 25 and in the early hours of March 26, he called for the declaration of independence of Bangladesh as well as resistance against the enemy at any cost. Bangabandhu’s announcement was spread throughout the country and abroad through wireless. At that time, it was not possible to preserve the documents of Bangabandhu’s declaration of independence due to reality and security reasons. Later Bangabandhu’s Declaration was included in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

Various programs have been undertaken at the national level to celebrate the great Independence and National Day with due dignity. The day will be started by firing 31 cannons every day on March 26 across the country including Dhaka. As the sun rises, President Md. Sahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will lay wreaths at the National Memorial in Savar. After that, under the leadership of the Minister of Liberation War, Vir Shreshtha family, war wounded freedom fighters and brave freedom fighters will offer wreaths. After that, foreign diplomats based in Bangladesh, people from all walks of life including various political and social organizations will pay tribute to the freedom fighters martyred in the great liberation war.

The National Flag will be hoisted in all government, semi-government, autonomous and private buildings on the occasion of Independence and National Day. Important buildings and structures will be illuminated.

Various social and cultural organizations including Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Bangla Academy, National Museum, Liberation War Museum, Bangladesh Shishu Academy will organize talks, cultural programs, children’s painting, writing and sports competitions, documentaries and films based on the Liberation War.