March 26 marks the commemoration of the Independence day of Bangladesh (Bengali:স্বাধীনতা দিবস Shwadhinata Dibôsh). It commemorates the country's declaration of independence from Pakistan on late hours of 25 March 1971. The day is a memorial to the deaths of thousands of civilians who died in the subsequent Bangladesh Liberation War (Wikipedia, 2018).

Every year, March 26 brings the most tragic reminiscence of the history’s darkest episode that heralded a nine-month bloody ordeal from the night following March 25, 1971 in achieving the long-cherished victory on December 16 the same year at the cost of a sea of blood. The nation’s founding father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was detained that night. Before he was picked up, he had proclaimed independence.

2021 marks the golden anniversary of its independence as a nation. CPSC wishes to remember its Bangladeshi colleagues in this momentous occasion.

2021 Celebrations (from Garda World):

Bangladesh will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its independence March 17-27. The country will commemorate national holidays for founder Sheik Mujibur Rahman's birthday March 17 and Independence Day March 26. Government offices and most commercial establishments will close for the holidays. The government will hold a 10-day golden jubilee celebration in the Dhaka region; main events will occur at Jatiyo Sriti Shoudho (National Martyrs' Monument) in Savar, the National Parade Square, and Bangabandhu Memorial Museum. Smaller ceremonies will likely take place in provincial capitals and district headquarters throughout the country during the period.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and President Abdul Hamid will host senior leaders from Maldives (March 17-18), Sri Lanka (March 19-20), Nepal (March 22-24), Bhutan (March 24), and India (March 26-27) to join festivities in the capital. Leaders from regional countries will visit several sites during their visits in addition to attending government meetings. Police have advised residents to remain home as much as possible due to increased security and traffic disruptions due to foreign dignitaries' movements throughout Dhaka. Significant traffic congestion is likely at Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) as foreign officials arrive and depart; minor flight disruptions are possible.

Opposition parties and other groups may organize street marches and public rallies, though police and other authorities have asked these groups to delay gatherings during the golden jubilee period. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and other groups could still rally in Dhaka and at the district and upazila level nationwide and prompt localized traffic disruptions. Violent clashes with police cannot be ruled out during any protest.

Security forces will be on heightened alert nationwide March 17-27. Extremely tight security is almost certain March 17-27, especially near Independence Day events in Dhaka and surrounding areas. Increased security is also likely around vital installations, including government buildings, police and military facilities, major hotels, markets, and transport hubs.

References:

  1. Garda World (16 March 2021). Bangladesh: Celebrations to take place nationwide, especially Dhaka, March 17-27 for the 50th anniversary of independence. Retrieved from: https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/455576/bangladesh-celebrations-to-take- place-nationwide-especially-dhaka-march-17-27-for-the-50th-anniversary-of-independence
  2. Wikipedia (2018). Independence Day (Bangladesh). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independence_Day_(Bangladesh)

Video:

Bangladesh- Reaching for the Stars https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMuacrv0LZ4

তুমি বাংলার ধ্রুব তারা' | MujibYear Theme Song | মুজিববর্ষের থিম সঙ্গীত https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAf4vkYvK3A

Bangladesh Victory Day Military Parade 2017. মহান বিজয় দিবস কুচকাওয়াজ- ২০১৭ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVu5POj0klI

BBC documentary on 1971 Bangladesh Independence https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQlpkB0jM5Q