[🇧🇩] Independence Day

[Saif]

President takes salute, PM witnesses parade at National Parade Square

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday witnessed the Independence and National Day Parade while President Mohammed Shahabuddin took the salute and inspected the parade as the chief guest. The parade was held at the National Parade Ground here, marking the 56th Independence and National Day...

en.prothomalo.com

President takes salute, PM witnesses parade at National Parade Square

BSS
Dhaka
Published: 26 Mar 2026, 16: 28

Armed forces personnel salutes President Mohammed Shahabuddin during the Parade marking the 56th Independence and National Day at National Parade Square, Agargaon, Dhaka on 26 March 2026 PMO

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday witnessed the Independence and National Day Parade while President Mohammed Shahabuddin took the salute and inspected the parade as the chief guest.

The parade was held at the National Parade Ground here, marking the 56th Independence and National Day.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin, accompanied by Major General SM Asadul Haque, the parade commander and also General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 9th Infantry Division and Area Commander of Savar Area, riding an open jeep inspected the parade and took the salute.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin takes the salute of armed forces personnel during the Parade marking the 56th Independence and National Day at National Parade Square, Agargaon, Dhaka on 26 March 2026 PMO

Muktijuddha Sangsad, Bangladesh Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, Coast Guard, Ansar and VDP, paramilitary Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Bangladesh National Cadet Corps (BNCC), Bangladesh Jail and combined female contingents participated in the parade.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman also witnessed the attractive flag-bearing skydive, armoury acquisitions of different regiments and contingents of the armed forces, spectacular fly-past and aerobatic display.

Prime Minister’s daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman also witnessed the parade and the displays.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and his daughter Zaima Rahman watches the Parade marking the 56th Independence and National Day at National Parade Square, Agargaon, Dhaka on 26 March 2026 PMO

Before departing from the ground, the President and the Prime Minister exchanged pleasantries with the commanders of the contingents who took part in the parade.

Earlier, on his arrival at the parade ground at 9.57 am, the Prime Minister was escorted by a ceremonial motorcade of military police, while advancing towards the saluting dais.

Flypast during the Parade marking the 56th Independence and National Day at National Parade Square, Agargaon, Dhaka on 26 March 2026 Dipu Malakar

Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan, State Minister Ishraque Hossain, Prime Minister’s Defence Adviser Brigadier General (retd) AKM Shamsul Islam, chiefs of the three services, principal staff officer of the Armed Forces Division and liberation war affairs secretary received the Prime Minister.

Then the premier, along with other officials, received the President on the parade ground.

Every year, 26 March brings the most tragic reminiscence of history’s blackest episode that heralded a nine-month bloody ordeal from the night of 25 March 1971, achieving the long-cherished independence on 16 December the same year at the cost of a sea of blood.​

 

[Saif]

Imperative of reviving the spirit and power of the Liberation War

The establishment of Pakistan as a nation state owed much to the people of East Bengal. Yet, from the very outset, the ruling elite of Pakistan subjected these same people to neglect, suspicion, humiliation, exploitation and deprivation. Alongside stark economic disparities, there was the...

en.prothomalo.com

Imperative of reviving the spirit and power of the Liberation War

Anu Muhammad
Published: 26 Mar 2026, 13: 51

The establishment of Pakistan as a nation state owed much to the people of East Bengal. Yet, from the very outset, the ruling elite of Pakistan subjected these same people to neglect, suspicion, humiliation, exploitation and deprivation.

Alongside stark economic disparities, there was the relentless oppression of military authoritarian rule, deep-seated anti-Bengali prejudice, and persistent suspicion and slander regarding the religious identity of Bengali Muslims.

Bengalis were systematically marginalised in administration, commerce, and both civilian and military state institutions. Efforts were even made to alienate them from their own language and literature by branding them as “Hinduani” (Hindu-influenced).

Sociologist Hamza Alavi aptly characterised Pakistan as an overdeveloped military-bureaucratic state. This heavy apparatus of civil and military bureaucracy was further reinforced by Pakistan’s alignment with the United States’ imperial strategy in the post–Second World War global order.

Due to this, Pakistan was included in the SEATO (Southeast Asia Treaty Organization) and CENTO (Central Treaty Organization) military alliances in 1954 and 1955, respectively. In addition, the Regional Development Cooperation (RDC) was formed with US-aligned states such as Turkey and Iran. Pakistan thus became a pillar of US imperial interests. Concurrently, economic inequality deepened, culminating in the rise of the notorious “22 families”.

This situation provoked popular resistance. Democratic movements expanded across both wings of Pakistan. Under mounting pressure, a military ruler fell in 1969, and another was compelled to hold elections. In 1970, some 23 years after its founding, Pakistan held its first general election, creating the possibility of framing a constitution through an elected National Assembly.

Recalling the insights of Frantz Fanon, one may argue that while national consciousness is vital in struggles against colonial or occupying powers, it becomes hollow if it does not evolve into a transformative social consciousness.

However, the Awami League’s landslide victory unsettled the ruling establishment. The 22 families, the military-bureaucratic elite, and the US-aligned Pakistani ruling class were unwilling to accept any meaningful change.

The first session of the elected National Assembly was scheduled for 3 March 1971. When President Yahya Khan postponed the parliament session on 1 March, it became evident that democratic transformation within Pakistan was impossible. The death knell of the state had begun to sound.

At this moment, Awami League president Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, as leader of the majority party, emerged as the central political figure. Other leaders and parties rallied behind him, including Maulana Bhashani, Mani Singh, and Siraj Sikder, the latter even calling for the formation of an all-party committee to lead the independence struggle.

Anu Muhammad File photo

Although Sheikh Mujib kept the door open for dialogue, the military junta effectively sealed Pakistan’s fate by launching a brutal genocide on the night of 25 March 1971. This ruthless assault made it clear that liberation could only be achieved through war.

Two narratives surrounding the Liberation War remain problematic. The first equates the Liberation War solely with the Awami League, using it as a shield to legitimise all actions by the party. The second dismisses the war as a conspiracy, claiming that Bangladesh’s independence merely served Indian interests. Both narratives undermine the extraordinary courage, unity and sacrifice of the people.

Even after the fall of an autocratic regime through the 2024 mass uprising, the balance of social and political power, combined with the backing of the interim government, has enabled pro-imperialist forces, religious fascists and the far right to gain further ground. Bangladesh has been drawn into a range of potentially harmful agreements, including those involving the United States.

It is true that India had its own geopolitical considerations, and that the Awami League leadership faced internal tensions and limitations. Yet, despite these constraints, the scale of people’s resistance, their courage, unity, and willingness to sacrifice everything in the face of a barbaric occupying army, cannot be diminished.

However, the immense expectations of independence quickly began to erode. Differences emerged even between the two central figures of the time, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Tajuddin Ahmad, over issues such as the trial of war criminals, dependence on the United States and the World Bank, and the establishment of BAKSAL.

Tajuddin was deeply dissatisfied with the declaration of general amnesty, widespread corruption, nepotism, and the eventual shift to one-party rule. At one point, he reportedly told Sheikh Mujib, “Was this what we struggled for over 24 years? At this rate, neither you nor I will survive, and the country will fall into the hands of Razakars and Al Badrs (local collaborators of the Pakistan army).” (Tajuddin Ahmad: Neta O Pita by Sharmin Ahmad).

Over the past five decades, Bangladesh has witnessed the killings of two presidents, two periods of direct military rule, and 16 constitutional amendments. Governance has gradually become more authoritarian. Mass uprisings in 1990 and 2024 toppled two autocratic regimes, and a newly elected government assumed office in early 2026.

During this time, the economy expanded significantly, with growth in GDP, trade and infrastructure, alongside changes in income patterns and professions. At the same time, wealth concentration and inequality have also intensified, with a handful of groups exercising political and economic dominance reminiscent of Pakistan’s “22 families”.

Recalling the insights of Frantz Fanon, one may argue that while national consciousness is vital in struggles against colonial or occupying powers, it becomes hollow if it does not evolve into a transformative social consciousness. In Bangladesh, we have seen how a nation state born from resistance to national oppression has, in turn, perpetuated oppression against others. Efforts to challenge economic concentration have instead produced even more powerful oligarchic groups. Resistance to imperialism and militarisation has not prevented their restructuring in new forms. A series of agreements contrary to national interests has been signed.

Even after the fall of an autocratic regime through the 2024 mass uprising, the balance of social and political power, combined with the backing of the interim government, has enabled pro-imperialist forces, religious fascists and the far right to gain further ground. Bangladesh has been drawn into a range of potentially harmful agreements, including those involving the United States.

In 1971, we witnessed a people’s war—a grand national awakening. With the exception of a small number of collaborators, the people as a whole demonstrated extraordinary power of resistance and spark of creativity. That legacy continues to inspire ongoing struggles for freedom.

For this reason, the imperative today is to revive and develop the unvanquished power and spirit of the Liberation War, by strengthening efforts to establish people’s control over national resources and policy, and by intensifying struggles against imperialism, foreign domination, and class, gender, ethnic and religious inequality and oppression.​

 

[Saif]

Operation Searchlight on March 25, 1971: The night hell opened over Dhaka | 25th March Kal Ratri 1971 | The Daily Star

Explore the night of March 25, 1971, when Operation Searchlight unleashed a brutal Pakistan army crackdown across Dhaka, igniting the Bangladesh Liberation War.

operationsearchlight.thedailystar.net

Operation Searchlight: The night hell opened over Dhaka

 

[Saif]

Grants for research on 1971 War of Liberation

The government's plan to support research and studies on the War of Liberation in 1971 and the July Mass Uprising by selected researchers is a good initiative. According to a report carried in a vernacular daily, an individual researcher or a research team will receive a minimum of Tk 0.5 million a

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Grants for research on 1971 War of Liberation

Tanim Asjad
Published :
Mar 28, 2026 00:07
Updated :
Mar 28, 2026 00:07

The government's plan to support research and studies on the War of Liberation in 1971 and the July Mass Uprising by selected researchers is a good initiative. According to a report carried in a vernacular daily, an individual researcher or a research team will receive a minimum of Tk 0.5 million and a maximum of Tk 2.5 million for conducting research on the 1971 war. The Ministry of Liberation War Affairs already issued a guideline on this, stating that the selected researchers will receive grants under three categories. The grant will be disbursed annually, although the total number of grants to be offered for the research work is yet to be determined.

The main objective of the initiative is to support diverse research on the country's war of independence by focusing on underexplored areas. Through this, unknown facts about 1971 will gradually be unearthed. It is expected that researchers will use the grants to bring to the fore the local events involving the 1971 war. Such works will be documented as reference materials for the future. A wide range of topics has been outlined, including the history of the Liberation War, the struggle for independence, mass participation, verification of the list of freedom fighters and martyrs, genocide, war crimes, human rights violations, martyred intellectuals, killing fields (Badhyabhumi), archival documents, regional and local war events, contributions of the freedom fighters, experiences of the 1971 refugees, and international support during the war. In addition to the war of liberation, grants will also support studies on the context, aspirations, perspectives, events and outcomes of the July mass uprising.

The initiative to support new research on the 1971 and the July mass uprising is important for several reasons. During Hasina's autocratic regime, in the name of correcting distortions of 1971's history, one-sided and misguided narratives of the war of independence spread. Many works were produced, with state support, and numerous books, booklets, journal papers, and some audio-visual digital content were published between 2009 and 2024. However, many of these works are one-sided, narrowly viewed, flawed, biased, and filled with distorted facts. In an effort to highlight the immense contribution of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to the country's long political struggle and War of Liberation, a cult-like culture had emerged. As a result, the history of 1971 became Mujib-centric, marginalising and erasing the contributions of other key figures. The Hasina administration and her supporters established firm control over discussions, debates and works focusing on 1971 and forced others to follow cult-based narratives. They also made any critical examination or dissenting voice a punishable offence.

The July mass uprising that forced Hasina to step down and flee to India for shelter, however, has challenged the Mujib-centric narratives and also provided tools to bust some historical myths developed by the Awami League. Though it always claimed to be the only party that upheld the spirit of the war of liberation, it did not take the necessary step to prepare a comprehensive list of the martyrs of 1971 despite being in power for more than 15 years at a stretch. Instead, the spirit of the War of Liberation has been used by cronies, goons and beneficiaries of the party to shield their misdeeds.

The government's latest initiative to provide grants for research on 1971 opens an opportunity to get a credible picture. However, several challenges remain to make the initiative successful and effective in the long run. First, selection of research proposals carefully and objectively so that good work is rewarded. Second, encouraging young and potential researchers to conduct in-depth studies of 1971 and the July mass uprising. Third, reviewing the research in detail so young researchers stay on track. Fourth, allowing open discussions and debates so that researchers gain diverse perspectives and are prepared to accept criticism.

The war of liberation is a matter of great pride and deep emotion for all the people of Bangladesh, which is marked by the supreme sacrifices of millions of lives in nine months of 1971. Almost every family in Bangladesh has a story of sacrifice and contribution in various forms. That's why it is a war of the masses. It is, thus, expected that the researchers will shed light on the role of the masses in 1971 using the proposed grants.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh’s Independence Day event in Delhi: India’s state minister for external affairs attends

A positive picture of Bangladesh–India bilateral relations was once again on display at the premises of the Bangladesh High Commission in Delhi on Thursday. At a reception marking Bangladesh’s 56th Independence Day, High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah and India’s Minister of State for External...

en.prothomalo.com

Bangladesh’s Independence Day event in Delhi: India’s state minister for external affairs attends

Saumya Bandyopadhyay
New Delhi
Updated: 27 Mar 2026, 18: 43

Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Riaz Hamidullah, India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh and India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri jointly cut a cake at a reception marking Bangladesh’s 56th Independence Day celebration at the high commission premises in New Delhi on 26 March 2026---Bangladesh High Commission.

A positive picture of Bangladesh–India bilateral relations was once again on display at the premises of the Bangladesh High Commission in Delhi on Thursday.

At a reception marking Bangladesh’s 56th Independence Day, High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah and India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, both underscored the unique and multidimensional nature of ties between the two countries, emphasising mutual goodwill and shared interests.

While High Commissioner Hamidullah expressed gratitude for India’s role during Bangladesh’s Liberation War, Kirti Vardhan Singh conveyed India’s eagerness to work with the new government to further deepen the multifaceted relationship.

The High Commission and the adjoining residence of the High Commissioner were tastefully decorated for the occasion on Thursday evening. Guests were received by mission staff and escorted along a red-carpeted path to the verdant lawn of the residence, with trees adorned in strings of lights, creating a festive ambience.

The formalities were brief amid the celebratory atmosphere. Following the rendition of the national anthems of both countries, Riaz Hamidullah, in his welcome address, recalled with gratitude the contributions of the Indian armed forces and ordinary citizens during Bangladesh’s struggle for independence.

He noted that successive generations of Bangladeshis continue to remember with deep respect the sacrifices of the freedom fighters, the countless lives lost in the face of genocide, and the support extended by the people of India.

Highlighting the depth of bilateral ties, the High Commissioner spoke of shared traditions in agriculture, weaving, handicrafts, poetry, music and the arts, emphasising the continuity of cultural bonds.

Referring in particular to the contributions of West Bengal, Tripura and the entire north-eastern region, he said their material and moral support had stood firmly behind the freedom fighters. He also noted that 1,668 Indian soldiers laid down their lives on Bangladesh’s soil for its independence—sacrifices that can never be forgotten.

Hamidullah also paid tribute to Ziaur Rahman, who proclaimed independence on behalf of the people.

India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, high officials, politicians and diplomats attend the programme organised by the Bangladesh High Commission to India---Bangladesh High Commission.

Highlighting the depth of bilateral ties, the High Commissioner spoke of shared traditions in agriculture, weaving, handicrafts, poetry, music and the arts, emphasising the continuity of cultural bonds. Alongside Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam, he referenced the contributions of Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak, Prafulla Chandra Ray, Satyendra Nath Bose, Ustad Alauddin Khan and Ravi Shankar.

He observed that such continuity has strengthened deep human and cultural bonds between the two nations. Many, he added, remain unaware that the “Concert for Bangladesh,” organised at Ravi Shankar’s initiative, helped shift global attention from what was termed the “civil war in East Pakistan” to the Bangladesh Liberation War.

In his words, these developments reflect a profound human and cultural confluence enriched by enduring oral traditions and lived experiences.

Hamidullah further remarked that this multidimensionality embodies synthesis and intellectual openness, underscoring a tradition in which every citizen of Bangladesh is free to practise their religion and beliefs while striving for progress.

He also cited several recent high-level exchanges, including the presence of S Jaishankar at the funeral of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visiting the High Commission in Delhi to pay tribute, and the attendance of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri at the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

In the context of current global complexities, he also mentioned Tarique Rahman’s letter to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing hope for advancing relations on the basis of dignity, equality, mutual trust and shared benefits.

Describing these visits as indicators of positive bilateral engagement, the High Commissioner referred to the “Bangladesh First” policy and said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has emphasised partnerships based on mutual respect, realism and shared interests with all countries, including India.

In the context of current global complexities, he also mentioned Tarique Rahman’s letter to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing hope for advancing relations on the basis of dignity, equality, mutual trust and shared benefits.

The guest were served with kacchi biriyani on 26 March 2026-----Bangladesh High Commission.

Hamidullah expressed optimism that bilateral trade, currently valued at around US$12 billion, has the potential to reach $28–30 billion.

He also paid tribute to the late Assamese artist Zubeen Garg, recalling a meeting with him in Guwahati last July. According to Hamidullah, Zubeen had emphasised human connections that transcend divisions of caste, religion and society, rooted instead in rivers, wetlands and agrarian life.

A similar message of goodwill was echoed by Kirti Vardhan Singh. Before jointly cutting a ceremonial cake with the High Commissioner, he said India had warmly welcomed Bangladesh’s new government and looked forward to working closely with it to expand bilateral cooperation.

Among those present at Thursday’s reception were veteran Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar, former BJP minister and journalist MJ Akbar, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

Also in attendance were three former Indian High Commissioners to Dhaka—Deb Mukherjee, Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty and Riva Ganguly Das—alongside numerous former diplomats, distinguished figures and members of the diplomatic corps.

One of the highlights of the evening was Bangladesh’s famed kacchi biryani, with catering arranged by the Bangladesh Army. The same team is also hosting a biryani event at the Delhi Press Club today, Friday.

The cultural segment featured musical performances by Bangladeshi vocalists Ayesha Mousumi and Zahid Nirab.

Prominent political psychologist and sociologist Ashis Nandy was also present.

Speaking to Prothom Alo, he remarked, “Relations are progressing gradually, and that is how they should proceed. The new government must be given time to stabilise. Mutual trust needs to be strengthened. Haste would not be beneficial for either side.”​

 

[Saif]

They wrote, spoke and sang for our Liberation War

Since the beginning of the 1950s in East Bengal, now Bangladesh, poets, writers, artists, singers, and cultural personalities had immense contribution to the struggles for the Bengali language, Bengali culture, democracy, autonomy and self-determination. From the time that Pakistan came into...

en.prothomalo.com

They wrote, spoke and sang for our Liberation War

After the brutal genocide carried out by the Pakistani army on 25 March 1971, countless foreign writers and artistes extended their support for the Liberation War and expressed their love for Bangladesh. This special piece on Independence Day is about them.