DHAKA: The nation is celebrating the 45th Independence and National Day on Thursday with a vow to uphold the spirit of the Liberation War to build a ‘golden’ country completing the war crimes trial.

On the occasion, President of the Republic Md Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages calling upon the nation to uphold the spirit of the War of Liberation to fulfill the dreams of the valiant Freedom Fighters, who embraced martyrdom for their motherland.

The national flag has remained hoisted atop all government and private buildings while all streets and important city intersections will be decorated with national and multi-colored miniature flags and festoons.

Important buildings and establishments as well as city streets and islands have been illuminated with colorful lights.

The day is a public holiday.

Every year, the March 26 brings the most tragic reminiscence of the history's blackest episode that heralded a nine-month bloody ordeal from the night following March 25, 1971 in achieving the long-cherished independence on December 16.

In the wake of the military crackdown, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who became the undisputed leader of the then Pakistan following the massive victory of his party Awami League in the 1970 general elections.
 
Later, Bangabandhu was taken to the then West Pakistan where he had to spend long nine months in a dark condemned cell. According to Banglapedia, Bangabandhu wrote down the declaration of independence soon after the Pakistani army cracked down on the fateful black night of March 25, 1971.

The declaration was first broadcast by Awami League leader MA Hannan from Kalurghat Radio Station in port city Chittagong on March 26, 1971.

However, on March 27, 1971, the then Major Ziaur Rahman announced the proclamation of independence on behalf of great leader Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman from the same radio station.

The day began with a 31-gun salute early in the morning as a mark of respect to the heroic struggle of this nation, which suffered a protracted subjugation under foreign rules from time to time till achieving their coveted Independence in 1971.

The National Memorial at Savar is the main venue of the celebration of the day where the president and the premier will place wreaths in the early morning to pay tribute to the martyrs of Independence War.

Besides, 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 will lay wreaths at the national memorial also in the morning.

Different political and cultural organizations have chalked out elaborate programs on the occasion.

A children's rally will be held at Bangabandhu National Stadium at 9:00am on the occasion. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to attend the rally as the chief guest.

National dailies has brought out special supplements while Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television, private radio stations and television channels are airing special programs highlighting the significance of the day.

Special prayers will be 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 diets will be served for the inmates of hospitals, jails, old homes and other public institutions to mark the day.

The Awami League will also hold a discussion at the auditorium of Krishibid Institution Bangladesh at Khamar Bari in the city’s Farm Gate at 3.30 pm on Friday marking the day. Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to chair the discussion.

Apart from this, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Jatiya Party, Workers Party, Jatiya Samjtantrik Dal (JSD), Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), Gano Forum, LDP and some other main stream political parties and their associate bodies have also drawn up various programs to mark the 45th Independence Day.

BDST: 0917 HRS, MAR 26, 2015