50Yrs of Independence today

Today is the 50th Independence Day of Bangladesh. The whole nation is celebrating the Golden Jubilee of the Independence with immense pride and joy. Coinciding with the Birth Centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the magnitude of the day has reached sky-high, drawing attention of the freedom-loving people across the globe.

The 10-day celebration of the twin events - Mujib Borsho and Golden Jubilee of Independence that started on the birth anniversary of Bangabadhu - the architect of the Independent Bangladesh and the year-long programmes of Bangabandhu's birth centenary has created great enthusiasm among the people in Bangladesh as well as beyond the boundary.

Entire world has come to know Bangladesh afresh for its strong footings with geopolitical importance in line with emerging economic and social progress achieved during last 50 years after the emergence as independent country.

The nation remembers its great leader Bangabandhu for his wisdom as he liberated the country inspiring the whole Bengali nation with his charismatic and visionary leadership. The leaders of the Mujibnagar government are also remembered with due honour in this day. 

Today, homage is paid to four national leaders—Syed Nazrul Islam, Tajuddin Ahmed, Captain Mansur Ali, and AHM Quamruzzaman—who were brutally killed in 1975 in Dhaka Central Jail. These four heroes, who played a key role in the formation of the Mujibnagar government that guided the War of Liberation, can never be forgotten.

Also the nation recall the martyred freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives during the nine-month long Liberation War and the surviving war heroes who took untold pains for fighting against Pakistan army without any fear and greed. The women freedom fighters are also shown deep respect on this day for their active and indirect participation in the Liberation War.

The day is a national holiday. The national flag will be hoisted atop all government, semi-government, autonomous and private buildings as well as diplomatic missions abroad marking the Golden Jubilee of Independence and National Day celebration programme.

In its journey for last 50 years, the country has unexpectedly become one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies and witnessed tremendous growth in major economic indices.

On March 26, 1971, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared Bangladesh's independence following the crackdown on unarmed Bengalis on the midnight of March 25 by Pakistani occupation forces.

After a nine-month War of Liberation with the supreme sacrifices of three million people and the honour of 200,000 women, Bangladesh finally achieved its independence on December 16, 1971.

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages extending heartfelt greetings and warm felicitations to the countrymen at home and abroad.

Global leaders including heads of states and government of different countries have greeted the people of Bangladesh and the government on the occasion. 

Washington DC, the capital of United States, has declared Bangladesh’s 49th Independence Day as “Bangladesh Day”. The proclamation was declared by Muriel Bowser, mayor of Washington, said a press release of Bangladesh’s embassy.

In his message, President M. Abdul Hamid has extended heartfelt greetings and warm felicitations to the countrymen marking the Independence and National Day, which is being celebrated this year as the Golden Jubilee of country’s Independence.

“Today is 26th March, our Independence and National Day. This year we are celebrating the Golden Jubilee of our Independence. On this occasion, I extend my heartfelt greetings and warm felicitations to my fellow countrymen living at home and abroad,” said the president on the eve of the Independence and National Day.

Paying profound respect to the architect of independent Bangladesh Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the President said in the early hours of March 26 Sheikh Mujibur Rahman officially declared the Independence of Bangladesh.

On the fateful night of March 25, 1971, the invading forces of Pakistan suddenly attacked the unarmed Bangalees, he added.

“We achieved an independent and sovereign Bangladesh through a nine-month long liberation war. I recall with deep respect the millions of martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the War of Liberation and we achieved our Independence for their supreme sacrifice,” he added.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has extended greetings to the countrymen on the occasion of the golden jubilee of great independence and urged all to work together to build a hunger-poverty-illiteracy-free Golden Bangladesh as dreamt by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

“Today is the 26th March – our great Independence Day. Bangladesh completes 50 years today since its independence. I extend my heartiest greetings to the countrymen and expatriate Bangladeshis on the occasion of the golden jubilee of great independence,” said the Prime Minister in a message.

“Let us take oath on this auspicious occasion of the golden jubilee of independence- imbued with the spirit of the Great War of Liberation, we all together will build a hunger-poverty-illiteracy-free Golden Bangladesh,” said the premier.

The Prime Minister said March 26 is the day of establishing self-identity of Bengali nation and it is the day of breaking the shackles of subjugation. On this Independence Day, the Prime Minister recalled with deep gratitude the greatest Bangalee of all times, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, under whose undisputed leadership Bengalis have earned independence.