Tens of thousands of people endured a winter chill and mist on Thursday as they gathered to watch a parade in the Indian capital showcasing the country's defense capability and cultural heritage on a newly revamped ceremonial boulevard. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sissi looked on as an official guest at India’s Republic Day event, which marked the anniversary of the adoption of the country’s constitution on Jan. 26, 1950, nearly three years after it won independence from British colonial rule. A 144-member band and marching contingent from the Egyptian Armed Forces also joined battalions of the Indian military and police in the parade. El-Sissi, in a blue suit and matching tie, was flanked by Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who wore a saffron-and-yellow–colored turban symbolizing Hindu nationalist colors. Scores of women, men, schoolchildren and folk dancers in colorful dresses performed cultural and fusion dances down the boulevard amid big cheers from the crowd. Howitzer guns, tanks, supersonic cruise missiles, anti-tank missiles and armored personnel carriers were displayed at the parade, with hundreds of men from police and military battalions marching along. Stunt performers on motorbikes also joined from the presidential palace. Other participants included a camel-mounted regiment with its mustachioed riders led by a shiny brass band with tubas. Read more: 76th Independence Day of India celebrated in Dhaka The 90-minute parade ended with a flypast featuring 75 air force fighters, including Rafale jets, transport planes and helicopters. Rajpath Avenue, built by India's former British rulers, was redeveloped as part of India’s 75th-anniversary celebrations of independence the past two years. It is lined on both sides by huge lawns, canals and rows of trees, and has been renamed "Kartavayapath” (Boulevard of Duty). Workers who helped refurbish the boulevard, their families and maintenance workers were seated in front of the main dais during the parade as part of this year's theme: “Participation of the Common People." India traditionally invites foreign leaders to witness the parade. Former French President Francois Hollande was the guest of honor in 2016 and former U.S. President Barack Obama viewed it in 2015. Ten Southeast Asian leaders watched the parade in 2018.

Independence Day, National Day and 50 years of Bangladesh-Australia ties were celebrated in Canberra with the illumination of an iconic structure with the colours of the Bangladesh national flag. The National Carillon, a large carillon situated on Aspen Island in Lake Burley Griffin, was illuminated with red and green, according to the Bangladesh High Commission Sunday. A formal reception was held which started with playing of the national anthems of Bangladesh and Australia by the Royal Military band. Also read: Pakistan greets Bangladesh on its Independence Day Representatives from the Australian Federal Parliament, ACT legislature, political leaders, heads of diplomatic missions and government officials from the Australian federal departments and local elites were present.

Bangladesh observed the Independence and National Day on Saturday, with a fresh vow to take the nation towards prosperity with the Liberation War spirit. On March 26, 1971, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman proclaimed Bangladesh's independence, following a crackdown on unarmed Bengalis on the midnight of March 25 by Pakistani occupation forces. After a nine-month war with the supreme sacrifices of three million people and the honour of 200,000 women, Bangladesh finally achieved victory on December 16, 1971. Also read: Hasina greets Freedom Fighters on Independence Day

Bangladesh is all set to celebrate the 51st Independence and National Day on Saturday amid programmes that feature paying homage to the Liberation War martyrs and vow to materialise their dreams.    On March 26, 1971, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman proclaimed Bangladesh's independence following the crackdown on unarmed Bangalees on the midnight of March 25 by Pakistani occupation forces. After a nine-month War of Liberation with the supreme sacrifices of three million people and the honour of 200,000 women, Bangladesh finally achieved its victory on December 16, 1971. President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will issue separate messages extending heartfelt greetings and warm felicitations to Bangladesh citizens at home and abroad. The day, which is a public holiday, will begin with gun-salute and placing of wreaths at the National Memorial at Savar in honour of the Liberation War martyrs. Also read: Not chanting 'Joy Bangla' means undermining independence : PM National flag will be hoisted at all government, semi-government, private, autonomous buildings with the sunrise and all the significant buildings, establishments will be illuminated. National dailies will bring out special supplements while Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television, private radio stations and television channels will air special programmes highlighting the significance of the day. Bangla Academy, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Shishu Academy, National Museum, Liberation War Museum and other social, cultural organizations will arrange seminars, cultural programmes, painting and sports competitions for children as well as screening films, documentaries on the liberation war. Freedom fighters and martyr’s families will be honoured on metropolitan, district and upazila level. Bangladesh Post Office Department will unveil a special commemorative stamp to mark the day. Meanwhile different religious organizations will hold special prayers and doa mehfil praying for the country's peace, development and prosperity. Also read: BNP works out Independence Day programme Special quality food will be distributed at institutions like hospitals, jail, child home, old age home and day care centers. Children’s parks, museums will remain open for all throughout the day. Also vessels of Bangladesh Navy and Coast Guard will remain open from 2 pm till evening for people to visit at Chattogram Khulna, Mongla, Payra port, and BBangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) terminals in Dhaka, Narayanganj, Barishal and Chandpur. Similar programmes at district, upazila level, and Bangladesh embassies in different countries will be arranged to highlight the significance of the Independence Day.

French Ambassador to Dhaka Jean-Marin Schuh has said Bangladesh and France have a bright future together despite the difficult times they are going through right now.

Search engine giant Google is marking Bangladesh’s 50th Independence and National Day by replacing its regular home page graphic with a special doodle.