রিপোর্টারের নাম 
The nation is celebrating the 56th Independence and National Day on Thursday in a befitting manner.
On the occasion, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman paid rich tributes to the Liberation War martyrs by placing wreaths at the National Memorial in Savar, on the outskirts of the capital.
Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury, cabinet members, chiefs of the three services, senior BNP leaders, war-wounded freedom fighters, family members of martyrs, diplomats, political leaders, and high civil and military officials, among others, were present.
The armed struggle for independence formally began in the early hours of March 26, 1971, following the brutal crackdown on unarmed people on the ‘Black Night’ of March 25. Thus, March 26 is observed as the Independence and National Day.
After a nine-month War of Liberation and the supreme sacrifices of three million people, Bangladesh achieved its cherished independence on December 16, 1971.
The day is a public holiday.
The government has taken elaborate programmes across the country to observe the day with due respect.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman issued separate messages on the occasion.
Newspapers have published special articles, literary magazines, and supplements marking the day.
The day’s programmes began with gun salutes early in the morning in all districts and upazilas, including Dhaka.
The national flag was hoisted atop all government, semi-government, autonomous, and private buildings at sunrise, while large national flags were also hoisted atop Bangladesh missions abroad, city corporation offices, and high-rise buildings in Dhaka.
The President will host a reception this afternoon at Bangabhaban for the families of Bir Shrestha recipients and living freedom fighters who received gallantry awards.
Reception programmes for heroic freedom fighters are also being organised at district and upazila levels.
At 8:00 am, the national flag was officially hoisted at divisional, district, and upazila levels, followed by the singing of the national anthem and rallies, including displays by students of educational institutions.
Essay, recitation, and painting competitions are being organised in educational institutions across the country, alongside discussions highlighting the significance of the day.
Bangladesh missions abroad are also organising discussions on independence and the Liberation War.
Ships of the Bangladesh Navy and Bangladesh Coast Guard at various BIWTC ghats-including Chattogram, Khulna, Mongla, Payra ports, Sadarghat in Dhaka, Pagla (Narayanganj), and Barishal-as well as Coast Guard vessels at Chandpur and Munshiganj, have been opened to visitors from 9:00 am until sunset.
Marking the day, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday issued a commemorative postage stamp at the Cabinet Division office at the Bangladesh Secretariat.
Sports events such as football matches, T20 cricket tournaments, kabaddi, and ha-du-du are being organised at district and upazila levels.
Television channels and radio stations, including Bangladesh Television (BTV) and Bangladesh Betar, are broadcasting special programmes highlighting the glorious history of the Liberation War.
Films on the Liberation War are being screened free of charge in cinema halls across districts and upazilas, including Dhaka.
Museums are open free of charge to the public throughout the day. Government and private entertainment centres are also open for children.
Colourful cultural programmes are being held at tourist centres across the country.
Special munazat is being offered in mosques, while prayers are also being held in temples, churches, pagodas, and other places of worship seeking forgiveness for the souls of the martyred freedom fighters, good health for living freedom fighters, and peace, prosperity, and progress of the nation.
Feasts are being arranged in public hospitals, prisons, government children’s homes, rehabilitation centres, and welfare institutions across the country.
