The country will observe National Revolution and Solidarity Day on Saturday, commemorating the 51st anniversary of the historic day that unfolded on November 7, 1975.

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman issued separate messages, on the occasion of the day.

The BNP-led government has drawn up an extensive programme to mark the day, which has been declared a public holiday.

Under the programme, the national flag will be hoisted on all government, semi-government, autonomous and private buildings, educational institutions and Bangladesh missions abroad. Major roads and road islands will also be decorated with national flags.

Discussions will be organised at district and upazila levels, alongside drawing competitions for children. Bangladesh Television (BTV), Bangladesh Betar and private television and radio stations will broadcast special programmes highlighting the events of November 7, 1975. The Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy will arrange cultural programmes.

The Armed Forces will organise various activities, including a colourful display at the Army Stadium in Dhaka. Another display will be staged at the venue under the supervision of the Bangladesh Cadet Corps.

Special prayers and munajat will be offered at mosques across the country at convenient times, seeking peace, prosperity and continued progress for the nation. Similar prayers will be held at temples, churches, pagodas and other places of worship.

Improved diets will be served to inmates and residents of hospitals, prisons, orphanages, child centres, Shishu Paribars, Shishu Sadans, juvenile correction centres, Shanti Nibash facilities and institutions for vagrants.

Children will be allowed free entry to parks throughout the day under the management of city corporations and municipalities.

Educational institutions will arrange special discussions and essay competitions to mark the occasion.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting will take initiatives to publish special articles and literary and commemorative supplements in national newspapers.

Documentary films will be screened at cinema halls and through mobile vans, while football matches will be held at district headquarters and upazilas.

A special commemorative discussion will also be organised with the participation of family members of martyred freedom fighters, war-wounded freedom fighters and valiant freedom fighters.

Meanwhile, the Dhaka Elevated Expressway will remain toll-free for all vehicles from 6am to 12 noon on Saturday, allowing motorists to use the facility without paying tolls during the six-hour period.

The ruling BNP has also announced a seven-day programme from November 5 to 11 to observe the day.

As part of the programme, national and party flags will be hoisted at 6am on November 7 at the BNP central office and party offices across the country.

As part of the BNP's seven-day programme, Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman will inaugurate the central procession in Dhaka on Saturday.

BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced the programme at a press conference at the party's central office in Nayapaltan on Friday.

Tarique Rahman will inaugurate the procession in front of the BNP central office in Nayapaltan and then take part in it, leading the march on foot.

Rizvi said the procession would start from the party's central office in Nayapaltan and turn right near the Chief Justice's residence. It would then proceed past the Hotel InterContinental, through Banglamotor and Farmgate, before ending at Manik Mia Avenue.

Earlier in the morning, at 8:30am, Tarique Rahman will pay homage and offer Fateha at the graves of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, the proclaimer of independence, and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, accompanied by senior party leaders.

Rizvi said the BNP's seven-day programme began on November 5. As part of the programme, activities had already been held in Chattogram city, while processions would be organised in most districts and metropolitan cities across the country on Saturday.

The BNP and its affiliated organisations will also arrange discussion meetings and other programmes marking the occasion.

Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal will organise a photography exhibition at Dhaka University campus at 11am on November 7, followed by a discussion meeting on November 8.

Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal will hold a discussion meeting on November 5, while Jubo Dal will organise one on November 10.

Krishak Dal will arrange a discussion meeting at 11am on November 9, and JASAS will hold a discussion meeting and cultural programme at 3pm the same day.