[🇧🇩] Independence Day of Bangladesh

[Saif]

Independence Day being observed with elaborate programmes

The country is observing Independence and National Day Wednesday amid huge enthusiasm. Various programmes have been taken at the national level to observe the day with due respect and solemnity.

en.prothomalo.com

Independence Day being observed with elaborate programmes
BSS
Dhaka
Published: 26 Mar 2025, 09: 11

National Memorial in Savar File photo

The country is observing Independence and National Day Wednesday amid huge enthusiasm. Various programmes have been taken at the national level to observe the day with due respect and solemnity.

The day commenced with a 31-gun salute at dawn across the country, including the capital.

Interim Government Chief Adviser (CA) Professor Muhammad Yunus laid a wreath at the National Memorial in Savar early morning as a mark of profound respect for the martyrs.

Led by Liberation War Affairs Adviser Farooq-e-Azam, people from all walks of life, including families of Bir Shreshthas, war wounded freedom fighters, members of the diplomatic corps, leaders of different political parties, social, cultural and professional bodies also placed wreathes at the National Memorial in the morning of the day to show their respect to the martyred freedom fighters.

Additionally, wreaths were also placed at the different district and upazila-level martyrs’ memorials.

The national flag has been hoisted atop all government, semi-government, autonomous and private buildings in all the divisions, districts and upazilas across the country at dawn. Singing of the national anthem, and student assemblies and parades at divisional, district, and upazila levels will also be held on the occasion.

To mark the day, important buildings and establishments have been illuminated with colourful lights. Main streets and road islands in the capital and other cities across the country have been decorated with national flags and other colourful flags and festoons.

The day is a public holiday.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus issued a message on the occasion.

In his message, the Chief Adviser said the interim government is fully committed to further developing and strengthening the country and delivering the full benefits of independence to the people.

“We are working to establish good governance and justice to ensure people-oriented and sustainable development, and ensure transparency and accountability through necessary reforms in all spheres of the state,” he said.

Muhammad Yunus also extended his sincere greetings and congratulations to all Bangladeshis living in the country and abroad.

He said achieving independence was the final stage of a long struggle to protect our dignity and existence and to gain “our rights”.

The War of Independence, through which Bangladesh emerged as an independent nation in the world, officially began on this day, he added.

He said, “I remember with reverence the valiant martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the War of Independence, whose supreme sacrifices brought us our desired freedom.”

The Chief Adviser said for the past 16 years, the people of the country have not been able to enjoy the benefits of this freedom. “The dictatorship oppressed the people and took away their freedom and all their basic rights. The successful uprising of student-workers and the masses has liberated the people of the country from the tyranny of dictatorship.”

Professor Muhammad Yunus said, “On this auspicious occasion of Independence Day and National Day, let us take the oath to work for the development, peace and prosperity of the country, keeping in mind the spirit of the great Liberation War.”

Different national dailies have published special supplements, articles and periodicals highlighting the significance of the day while electronic media broadcast month-long special programmes based on the Liberation War.

Different social and cultural organisations, including Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Bangla Academy, National Museum, Liberation War Museum, and Bangladesh Shishu Academy, will organise Liberation War-based discussions, cultural events and drawing, essay writings and sports competitions for children and display Liberation War-related documentaries and film shows.

Various types of games, including football, T20 crickets and Kabadi, will be organised at district and upazila levels.

Besides, a reception will be hosted for valiant freedom fighters and family members of martyred at metropolitan city, district and upazila levels.

To mark the day, Bangladesh Postal Department will release commemorative postage stamps. Special prayers will be offered at different mosques and other worship places seeking eternal peace of the souls of martyrs of the Liberation War and peace, progress and prosperity of the country.

Improved diets will be served in hospitals, prisons cells, orphanages, old-age homes, vagabond organisations, children’s daycare centers and other similar institutions across the country.

On the day, all children’s parks and museums will be kept open for all without tickets across the country.

Bangladesh Navy is going to open its ships at different places across the country for the visitors marking the day.

Seven ships including BNS Chithra would be displayed at Dhaka Sadarghat, BNS Atandra at Pagla Naval Jetty in Narayanganj, BNS Samuddra Obhijan at Naval Berth-2, New Mooring in Chattogram, BNS Oparejyo at BIWTA Launch Terminal in Khulna, BNS Dholeshwari at Digraj Naval Berth of Mongla, BNS Padma at Marine workshop Jetty in Barishal and BNS Shaheed Farid in BIWTA Ghat at Chandpur respectively.

People can visit the ships from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm on that day, said an ISPR press release.

Similar programmes will be taken at district and upazila levels as well as Bangladesh missions abroad highlighting the significance of the day.​

 

[Saif]

Committed to advancing partnership with Bangladesh for peace, prosperity: Modi tells Dr Yunus

President of India Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have extended felicitations on the occasion of the National Day of Bangladesh with India reiterating its commitment to advancing partnership for peace, stability and prosperity. "We remain committed to advancing this partnership, d

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Committed to advancing partnership with Bangladesh for peace, prosperity: Modi tells Dr Yunus
UNB
Published :
Mar 26, 2025 12:45
Updated :
Mar 26, 2025 12:45

President of India Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have extended felicitations on the occasion of the National Day of Bangladesh with India reiterating its commitment to advancing partnership for peace, stability and prosperity.

"We remain committed to advancing this partnership, driven by our common aspirations for peace, stability, and prosperity and based on mutual sensitivity to each other's interests and concerns," Modi said in a message to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus.

Modi extended his felicitations to Dr Yunus and the people of Bangladesh on the occasion of the National Day of Bangladesh.

"This day stands as a testament to our shared history and sacrifices, that have laid the foundation of our bilateral partnership," said the Indian Prime Minister.

He said the spirit of the Liberation War of Bangladesh continues to remain a guiding light for the relationship, which has flourished across multiple domains, bringing tangible benefits to our people.

President Droupadi Murmu, in her message to Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin, said, "On behalf of the Government, the people of India and on my own behalf, I extend warm greetings and felicitations to you and to the friendly people of Bangladesh on the occasion of your National Day."

She said Bangladesh-India relations are multi-faceted with our cooperation encompassing diverse areas such as trade, multimodal connectivity, development partnership, power and energy, education, capacity building, cultural cooperation and people-to people exchanges.

The Indian President said Bangladesh is at the focus of India's "Neighborhood First" and "Act East" policies.

"Our SAGAR doctrine and the Indo-Pacific Vision. India reiterates its support for a democratic, stable, inclusive, peaceful and progressive Bangladesh," she said.​

 

[Saif]

US greets Bangladesh on Independence Day

The United States has congratulated Bangladesh on its Independence Day Saying Washington supports Bangladesh in its journey toward a bright and democratic future. “As Bangladesh marks this special occasion, I extend my warm regards to its people and reaffirm the United Sta

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

US greets Bangladesh on Independence Day
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Mar 26, 2025 12:38
Updated :
Mar 26, 2025 12:38

The United States has congratulated Bangladesh on its Independence Day Saying Washington supports Bangladesh in its journey toward a bright and democratic future.

“As Bangladesh marks this special occasion, I extend my warm regards to its people and reaffirm the United States, commitment to working together to make both our nations safer, stronger, and more prosperous,” said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a statement.

On behalf of the United States of America, Rubio congratulated the people of Bangladesh as they celebrate their Independence Day on March 26, reports BSS.

He said that this celebration comes at a pivotal point in Bangladesh’s history, as the Interim Government prepares the nation for elections that will allow the people of Bangladesh to choose the path forward for their nation.

“We look forward to continuing our partnership promoting economic development and regional security in the Indo-Pacific,” said the Secretary of State.​

 

[Saif]

The foreign couple who fought for Bangladesh

In the summer of 1971, as the people of Bangladesh waged a desperate fight for freedom, two foreign voices -- one British, one American -- rose in defiance against the brutal atrocities unfolding thousands of miles from their own homelands.

www.thedailystar.net

Independence Day

The foreign couple who fought for Bangladesh

Exhibition being held honouring contributions of Paul and Ellen Connett to the country’s struggle for liberation

In the summer of 1971, as the people of Bangladesh waged a desperate fight for freedom, two foreign voices -- one British, one American -- rose in defiance against the brutal atrocities unfolding thousands of miles from their own homelands.

Paul and Ellen Connett, a young couple, refused to stay silent. They did more than express outrage; they took action.

Paul, a British national, and Ellen, an American, became key figures in the international movement against the genocide in Bangladesh.

As the Pakistani military cracked down on the people of the then-East Pakistan, the Connetts mobilised global attention, spearheading protests, raising funds, and even risking their own safety to bring aid to war-affected civilians.

Their story was revisited at an exhibition titled "Humanity Is One", organised at Gulshan Society Lake Park in the capital, marking Bangladesh's 54th Independence Day.

In one of the most striking moments of their activism, on August 1, 1971, the Connetts helped gather 25,000 people at Trafalgar Square in London for a massive demonstration against the genocide in Bangladesh.

Organised in collaboration with UK-based East Pakistani activists and rights groups, the protest became a defining moment in international solidarity -- one that stood alongside the legendary "Concert for Bangladesh" in New York.

But for the Connetts, protesting was not enough. They wanted to do more. They acquired a World War II-era ambulance, packed it with medical supplies, and embarked on a daring journey across multiple countries, determined to bring aid to the war-ravaged people of Bangladesh. When they finally reached the country, they used the ambulance to provide crucial medical support to civilians affected by the war.

Their actions came at a cost. Ellen Connett was arrested while attempting to enter Bangladesh. She was imprisoned, but her spirit remained unshaken. Just days before victory, she was released, a testament to her relentless determination to stand with the people of Bangladesh.

While imprisoned, she discovered that she was pregnant. On returning to the UK, she gave birth to her son, naming him Peter William Mujib Connett.

The couple also received "Friends of Liberation War Honour" from the government.

At the exhibition yesterday, Mofidul Hoque, founder trustee of the Liberation War Museum, described how Action Bangladesh and Operation Omega -- platforms co-founded by the Connetts -- raised funds and procured ambulances for Bangladeshis during the war.

Abdul Majid Chowdhury, co-founder of Action Bangladesh, recalled the immense risks taken by foreigners who stood with Bangladesh.

"We, as a nation, fought for our freedom -- that was expected. But the way foreigners risked their lives for us was truly extraordinary," he added.

Speaking at the event, James Goldman, acting British deputy high commissioner to Bangladesh, called their story a powerful demonstration of the enduring relationship between Bangladesh and the UK.

He said that the UK was among the first nations to recognise Bangladesh in 1972 and has maintained a strong partnership with the country ever since.

German Ambassador to Bangladesh Achim Troster expressed Germany's said, "We stand by Bangladesh and will remain a reliable and trustworthy partner -- hopefully towards more democracy and a less antagonistic political landscape."

Speaking at the event, Syed Ahsan Habib Rana, secretary general of Gulshan Society, said, "Fifty-four years ago, a nation was born not just through the struggles of its own people but also with the unwavering support of voices from across the world—voices that refused to stay silent."

Moderating the event, Srabanti Datta, cultural secretary of Gulshan Society, said that the exhibition is particularly valuable for younger generations. "It offers a powerful lesson on the significance of global solidarity and humanitarian efforts in a nation's struggle for freedom," she added.

As visitors at the exhibition walked past rare photographs, historical documents, and firsthand accounts of the Connetts' activism, one message stood clear -- humanity knows no borders.​

 

[Saif]

New definition of freedom fighters, associates

Persons who fought on the battlefield will be recognised as freedom fighters, persons who helped the war in anyway will be recognised as associates

en.prothomalo.com

Independence Day
New definition of freedom fighters, associates

A new section on the spirit of Liberation War was incorporated into the draft ordinance. It states the ‘spirit of Liberation War’ means “The spirit to ensure equity, human dignity, and social justice of the people of Bangladesh as stated in the Proclamation of Independence by the Mujibnagar government on behalf of the constituent assembly on 10 April 1971.”

Arifur Rahman
Dhaka
Updated: 26 Mar 2025, 16: 16

Photo shows a group of freedom fighters.

People who fought against the occupying Pakistani forces on the battlefield during the 1971 Liberation War will be recognised as ‘valiant freedom fighters’, and the individuals who made a special contribution to and were active in creating global opinions for the Liberation War at home and abroad will be recognised as ‘ associates of freedom fighters’.

The definition of valiant freedom fighters is going to be changed through an ordinance on the amendment to the Jatio Muktijoddha Council (Jamuka) Act.

The draft of the ordinance has already been sent to the cabinet. Previously, the definition of freedom fighters was changed in 2022, recognising the people who fought on the ground, as well as those who made special contributions to the Liberation War as valiant freedom fighters.

Officials at the Liberation War affairs ministry said demands were raised by various quarters to change the definition of freedom fighters after the fall of the Awami League government due to the student-people movement.

After that, they spoke to freedom fighters with gallantry awards, researchers and various organisations. Almost everyone said those who fought the battle on the ground and those who contributed to the war in various ways cannot have similar recognition.

That is why the definition of freedom fighters is being changed, taking opinions from everyone.

Several Liberation War researchers, however, told Prothom Alo that the past Awami League governments changed the definition of freedom fighters for political reasons at various times, and now a new class of associates of freedom fighters is being defined, which is not right. It will not be honourable either. Rather, the matter will deepen the crisis and bitterness in future.

Liberation War affairs researcher Afsan Chowdhury told Prothom Alo that there has been controversy over the definitions of the Liberation War and freedom fighter since the beginning. Sometimes these changes were made for political reasons, sometimes to provide various facilities.

There has been controversy over the definitions of the Liberation War and freedom fighter since the beginning. Sometimes these changes were made for political reasons, sometimes to provide various facilities--Liberation War affairs researcher Afsan Chowdhury.

He further said people from different walks of life took part in the Liberation War, and joined the battle in various ways. However, all governments changed the definition of the Liberation War for political reasons. It is happening now and will happen in future too.

Who are the freedom fighters?

According to the definition of the draft ordinance, all civilian (who at the time was over the minimum age as determined by the government), who took preparation and received trainings at home, and engaged in fighting against Pakistan by participating actively against the junta and occupying Pakistani armed forces and their local collaborators Razakar, Al-Badar, Al-Shamsh, Muslim League, Jamaat-e-Islami, Nizam-e-Islam and collaborators and Peace Committees in the Liberation War from 26 March to 16 December 1971, will be recognised as valiant freedom fighters.

Besides, members of Armed Forces, Mukti Bahini, BLF and other recognised groups, police, East Pakistan Regiment (EPR), Naval Commando, Kilo Force and Anasar will also be recognised as valiant freedom fighters.

The definition states that civilians are in three categories. Firstly, persons who crossed Bangladesh borders, listed themselves at various training camps in India and participated in the Liberation War actively; secondly, all women (Birangona) who were tortured by junta and occupying Pakistani forces and their collaborators; and thirdly, all physicians, nurses, and medical assistants of all field hospitals, who provided treatments to wounded freedom fighters during the Liberation War.

All three categories of people will be recognised as valiant freedom fighters.

Who are the associates of freedom fighters?

The draft ordinance will incorporate a new provision on associates of freedom fighters.

It states that Bangladeshi citizens who inspired the freedom fighters, as well as participated in and cooperated actively to play the role of organiser to intensify the Liberation War and accelerate the independence of Bangladesh, mobilise global public opinion, gain diplomatic support and psychological strength, will be recognised as associates of freedom fighters.

There will be five categories of associates of freedom fighters. Firstly, Bangladeshi professionals who contributed to Liberation War during the wartime while living abroad and Bangladeshi citizens, who played active role in raising global public opinion; secondly, officials or employees or ambassadors under the government of Bangladesh (Mujibnagar government) formed during the Liberation War, and physicians, nurses and other assistants appointed by the Mujibnagar government; thirdly, all members of national assembly (MNAs) or members of provincial assembly (MPAs) who were involved with the government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh (Mujibnagar government) formed during the Liberation war, and who later became the members of constituent assembly; fourthly, all artistes and technicians of Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra, and all Bangladeshi journalists who performed duty for Liberation War at home and aboard, and fifthly, Swadhin Bangla football team.

There was no debate after the Liberation War over defining the frontline fighters as freedom fighters. The interim government’s decision seems to be an attempt to return to the actual definition of freedom fighters---Mohammad Sazzadur Rahaman, a PhD researcher at Clark University, in the US. People of five categories have since been recognised as valiant freedom fighters.

Now they will be recognised as associates of freedom fighters once the ordinance of the JAMUKA Amendment Act is issued.

The existing JAMUKA Act mentions Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in various places, but the ordinance will leave out all of it. The ordinance will also replace ‘spirit of Liberation War’ with ‘goal’.

The existing act defines the Liberation War as a response to the Declaration of Independence of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

The new ordinance omits these lines and several other words. Instead, it states, “A war against the junta and occupying Pakistani armed forces and their local collaborators Razakar, Al-Badar, Al-Shams, Muslim League, Jamaat-e-Islami, Nizam-e-Islam and Collaborators and Peace Committees from 26 March to 16 December in 1971 with a desire to establish equity, human dignity, and social justice for the people of Bangladesh as an independent democratic state.”

According to Liberation War affairs sources, the definition and criteria of valiant freedom fighters have been changed 11 times since independence, with the definition alone being changed five times.

With the new ordinance, the definition and criteria of valiant freedom fighters will be changed for the 12th time.

On the other hand, lists of valiant freedom fighters have been revised seven times so far.

The Liberation War affairs ministry maintained a management information system (MIS) database on the lists of all valiant freedom fighters, their allowances and other details.

According to the MIS database, currently, there are about 197,800 valiant freedom fighters in the country, and 196,454 of them receive allowances monthly.

If the new list of associates of freedom fighters is prepared, the number of valiant freedom fighters will normally drop. The ministry, however, could not specify the reduced number.

Liberation War Affairs Adviser Faruk E Azam told Prothom Alo at his office on 23 March, “In fact, those who fought the battle on the ground, only they will be recognised as freedom fighters. Those who participated in the war from various points of view, like some people cooperated diplomatically or some sang for the war, will be the associates of freedom fighters.”

How the previous government decided to recognise political leaders as valiant freedom fighters raised questions to a large extent, but how they are being relegated to the associate category would raise further debate---Mohammad Sazzadur Rahaman, a PhD researcher at Clark University, in the US.

He said the draft ordinance of the JAMUKA Amendment Act was sent to the cabinet, and they gave several observations, now those are being incorporated.

Replying to a query, Adviser Faruk E Azam said those who were in the government of Bangladesh (Mujibnagar government) formed during the Liberation War will be considered as valiant freedom fighters. The draft ordinance first mulled recognising them as the associates of freedom fighters, but it is being amended now.

Spirit of Liberation War

A new section (14) on the spirit of Liberation War was incorporated into the draft ordinance. It states the ‘spirit of Liberation War’ means “The spirit to ensure equity, human dignity, and social justice of the people of Bangladesh as stated in the Proclamation of Independence by the Mujibnagar government on behalf of the constituent assembly on 10 April 1971.”

Speaking to Prothom Alo, Mohammad Sazzadur Rahaman, a PhD researcher at Clark University, in the US, said there was no debate after the Liberation War over defining the frontline fighters as freedom fighters. The interim government’s decision seems to be an attempt to return to the actual definition of freedom fighters.

How the Awami League expanded the extent of the definition of freedom fighters, expatriates also started getting certification of freedom fighters, he stated.

This government wants to check this rush, he remarked.

Sazzadur Rahaman also said that how the previous government decided to recognise political leaders as valiant freedom fighters raised questions to a large extent, but how they are being relegated to the associate category would raise further debate.

Since the Liberation War is said to be the war of the people, it would not be considerate to give state recognition and facilities separately to various kinds of associates, he argued.

* This report appeared in the print and online editions of Prothom Alo and has been rewritten in English by Hasanul Banna​