United News of Bangladesh

The Bangladesh Embassy in Nepal hosted a grand reception in Kathmandu on Friday evening to celebrate the 55th anniversary of the Great Independence and National Day. The reception held at a leading hotel in the capital was attended by ambassadors and heads of mission, ministers, political leaders, senior government officials, members of civil society, business leaders, media representatives and members of the Bangladesh community in Nepal. In his speech, Bangladesh Ambassador Md Shafiqur Rahman paid profound tributes to the valiant freedom fighters who made their supreme sacrifices during the nine month-long Liberation War of Bangladesh. Bangladesh Army Chief lauds Nepal Army's role as ‘wall of defence’ He expressed sincere appreciation to the government and the people of Nepal for their invaluable moral and material support during the War.  He also reaffirmed the government's commitment to strengthening and solidifying the bilateral relations with Nepal, particularly in the areas of trade, investment, connectivity, energy, culture, education, tourism, and people-to-people contacts. Ambassador Rahman also congratulated the new government of Nepal, which was formed under the able leadership of Prime Minister Balendra Shah and his cabinet expressing hope that the bilateral collaboration will further deepen and reach new heights during his tenure. Referring to the new government in Bangladesh, the Ambassador apprised the gathering about the plans and initiatives of the new government under the dynamic and visionary leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and conveyed the readiness of the government to engaging closely with the new government in Nepal and the international community. During the celebration, two placards were distinctly displayed featuring the candidacy of the Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman, who is running for the post of the President of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly for the term 2027-2028. Ambassador Rahman presented a brief outline of his profile and sought for the support for his candidature.  The reception concluded with a buffet dinner featuring a variety of traditional Bangladeshi and international cuisine. Around 380 guests including Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs of Nepal, 25 Ambassadors or Heads of Resident missions in Nepal, and members of the diplomatic corps joined the celebration.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Friday urged all to work together to build an inclusive and self-reliant Bangladesh, ensuring that everyone can live well together. “Let the pledge of this Independence Day be that not just one section of society, but all of us will live well together. We will all strive to live well together, and we will do so, Insha’Allah,” he said, while addressing a discussion marking Independence and National Day. The programme was organised by BNP at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) auditorium in the capital, where the Prime Minister attended as the chief guest. Tarique said the current democratic government has been formed by the people and belongs to them. “This democratic government has been established by the people of this country,” he said. The Prime Minister said although the people’s aspirations are vast, the country’s resources remain limited, and there is a gap between the nation’s ambitions and its means. “But as a citizen and a political worker, I firmly believe that if we move forward in unity and work together for the country, we will surely be able to build our desired self-reliant Bangladesh. On this great Independence Day, I would like to convey this message to all democracy-loving people, my party colleagues across Bangladesh,” he said. To achieve that goal, the Prime Minister said the government has taken various initiatives targeting different sections of society, including the introduction of family cards, farmers’ cards and canal excavation programmes. He said steps have already been taken and their implementation has begun to improve people’s living standards. Referring to the Liberation War, Tarique paid tribute to BNP founder and Liberation War proclaimer Ziaur Rahman and all martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country. He said the people of Bangladesh had secured victory against one of the strongest armies of the time. “So, the glorious history of our independence and the Liberation War will continue to be discussed and researched for generations to come, and that is only natural.” Tarique, however, said nothing should be done or said in the name of discussion, criticism or research that could in any way undermine the glorious history of the country’s independence and the Liberation War. “If we remain trapped in the past, we lose sight of the present. But if we forget the past, we lose our direction entirely,” he said. The BNP leader said while the past must not be forgotten, it should not be overemphasised either, as excessive focus on the past—even in the recent period—has hindered the country’s progress towards a prosperous future. Drawing the attention of the younger generation, he said briefly that martyred President Ziaur Rahman was an indispensable character in Bangladesh’s independence and the Liberation War. Tarique said attempts had been made in the past to undermine Ziaur Rahman’s contributions, but those efforts in fact proved that he was indeed a key figure in the Liberation War. He said Ziaur Rahman did not suddenly make the declaration of independence, but had long been prepared for it. The Prime Minister said that Ziaur Rahman was not a political activist in his early life, but a military officer. “But, the dream of Bangladesh’s independence was something he nurtured in his mind, and this is reflected in one of his writings. From that writing, we can clearly understand that he held the idea of independence and had long made mental preparations for a sovereign Bangladesh,” he said. The Prime Minister referred to Ziaur Rahman’s article titled “Birth of a Nation”, published on March 26, 1972, in the Dainik Bangla. “In the article, he (Zia) wrote about the historic moment of 2:15am on March 26, 1971, describing it as a day the people of Bangladesh would remember forever…What happened at 2:15am on March 26, 1971, I believe, is an important piece of evidence for those who research the history of independence and the Liberation War,” he said  Tarique said when Ziaur Rahman’s article was first published, the Liberation War had just ended and those who had been directly or indirectly involved were still alive, but no one raised any objection or made any statement contradicting the contents of the article. He said the article was later republished in the weekly Bichitra in 1974 and was never challenged at the time, indicating its credibility. He said that neither the then government nor any political figure had challenged or attempted to refute any part of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman’s article at the time, as those present then knew that every sentence and word in it was true. Highlighting the value of independence, the Prime Minister said only those who struggle for freedom can truly realise its importance. “We achieved independence in 1971 through immense sacrifice, and in recent times too, people have made sacrifices to protect democracy and the country,” he said. Tarique said the people Bangladesh achieved independence in 1971 through immense sacrifice and defended it again in 2024 amid adversity. Recalling recent struggles, he said many lives were lost in movements for democracy, adding that the ultimate goal of all struggles—from 1971 to 1990 and 2024—was to establish a democratic Bangladesh based on equality, human dignity and social justice. Fakhrul hopes for democratic, happy Bangladesh under Tarique Rahman The discussion began at 3:00pm with a recitation from the Holy Quran. The Prime Minister arrived at the venue at 3:57pm. At the beginning of the event, a munajat was offered seeking eternal peace for the souls of the party’s founder, martyred President Ziaur Rahman, former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, and those who were martyred in the Liberation War. BNP Standing Committee members Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Nazrul Islam Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Salahuddin Ahmed, among others, spoke at the programme, with BNP Secretary General and Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir in the chair.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday urged the people of the country to uphold the spirit of national unity, mutual tolerance and patriotism to further accelerate the development of the country. In a message marking the great the Independence and National Day to be observed on March 26, he also called up on all to work together to move the nation forward and build a prosperous future. “The Great Independence Day inspires us anew with the spirit of courage, sacrifice and patriotism. The fundamental goal of independence was to establish a Bangladesh that is free from discriminations, and to be democratic, peaceful and prosperous,” the Prime Minister said. He said everyone will have to work together in unity to achieve that goal and move the country forward. “To further accelerate the progress and development of our beloved motherland, we must uphold in our hearts the spirit of national unity, mutual tolerance and patriotism,” Tarique said. He urged all to draw inspiration from the significance of the Great Independence and National Day and dedicate themselves, from their respective positions, to the welfare of the country. “Together, let us work to build a developed, prosperous and dignified Bangladesh.” Extending heartfelt greetings to the people of Bangladesh at home and abroad on the occasion, the Prime Minister said March 26 is a glorious and historic day in the nation’s life. “On this day, I remember with profound respect the nation's finest sons, whose sacrifices enabled us to achieve an independent and sovereign Bangladesh,” he said. PM holds special meeting to tackle fuel crisis At the same time, Tarique recalled with deep gratitude the brave freedom fighters who took part in the Liberation War, the mothers and sisters who suffered oppression and all those who devoted themselves to the struggle for independence. He also prayed for eternal peace of the departed souls of all the martyrs. The Prime Minister wished every success to all programmes organised on the occasion of the Great Independence and National Day.  

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday unveiled a commemorative postage stamp marking the Independence and National Day. He unveiled the stamp at his office at the Secretariat around 9:30am, said his Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon. The Prime Minister arrived at the Secretariat at 9:02am and carried out some official work before unveiling the stamp, he said. Posts and Telecommunications Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam, Posts and Telecommunications Division Secretary Abdun Naser Khan and Director General of the Directorate of Posts Kazi Asadul Islam were present at the time. The Prime Minister is also scheduled to chair a Cabinet meeting at 4:00pm at the Cabinet Division conference room at the Secretariat. Rumon said the Cabinet usually meets on Thursdays but the meeting was brought forward as Independence and National Day falls on Thursday this week.

Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan said on Wednesday that Bangladesh is now fully independent and that its citizens will never feel enslaved on this land again. "The country is now fully independent. The bloody people’s uprising of February 24 protected the independence we gained in 1971. This independence will remain in the days to come. Never again will the people of this country feel enslaved on an independent land,” he told reporters after paying tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War at the National Martyrs' Memorial in Savar on the occasion Independence and National Day. 1971 and 24 are naturally interlinked: Nahid Islam He reflected on the significance of the 1971 Liberation War, saying, "1971 gave birth to the country, which is why we have gained independence. We believe that the successful people’s uprising of the July Revolution of 24th February protected that independence. As a result, the fascists fled. The country is now fully independent, in exchange for blood." The adviser spoke about the concept of independence in the past 16 years. He said that despite the struggle for independence, the essence of that independence had been undermined in recent years. There’s nothing like ‘2nd independence’ in sovereign Bangladesh: Mirza Abbas "We believe that until every citizen of the country feels that they are free, that they have freedom of speech, and freedom of expression, there is no benefit in a land being independent. We believe that 24th February protected that independence. The self-sacrifice of the student masses has completed that independence,” he said.

The celebration of the great Independence and National Day-2025 started at dawn on Wednesday with a 31-gun salute. An artillery regiment of the Bangladesh Army stationed at the Old Airport (Tejgaon) area in Dhaka fired six guns, marking the 31-gun salute in honor of the martyrs of the great Liberation War, according to a press release from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). Home adviser pays tributes at Razarbagh Police Memorial As in previous years, Independence and National Day was celebrated with the utmost respect, enthusiasm, and fervor, it said.

Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury paid tributes to the valiant police personnel who were martyred during the Liberation War on Wednesday.  The adviser placed wreaths at the Razarbagh Police Lines Memorial in the morning morning. Dr Yunus pays homage to Liberation War martyrs; vows reforms Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Md Khoda Bakhsh Chowdhury and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam, DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md Sazzat Ali, and RAB Director General AKM Shahidur Rahman were also present.

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 peoples. 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." Bangladesh, China to sign key deals as Dr Yunus to meet Xi in Beijing on March 28 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.

The nation is set to celebrate the 55th Independence and National Day on Wednesday with elaborate programmes and due respect. The armed struggle for national independence formally began in the early hours of March 26 following the brutal crackdown on the unarmed Bengalis on the ‘black night’ of March 25. Thus March 26 is celebrated as the Independence and National Day. After the nine-month War of Liberation with the supreme sacrifices of three million people and at the cost of chastity of two lakh women, Bangladesh achieved its cherished independence on December 16, 1971. The day is a public holiday. The interim government has taken up elaborate programmes at the national level to celebrate the Independence and National Day. The day will begin with a 31-gun salute in the morning across the country including in Dhaka, said a press release of the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs on Monday. President Md. Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus will lay wreaths early in the morning to pay profound respect to the memories of the martyrs of 1971. Later the families of the Birsreshtha, war-wounded freedom fighters, and brave freedom fighters led by Liberation War Affairs adviser, will also lay wreaths. People from all walks of life including foreign diplomats, political leaders, and representatives from social, cultural, and professional bodies will lay wreaths at the National Memorial. Besides, wreaths will be laid at district and upazila memorials across the country. National flag will be hoisted, and the national anthem will be performed at all divisions, districts, and upazilas. Student rallies and parades will also take place. On this day, the national flag will be hoisted atop all government, semi-government, autonomous, and private buildings. In Dhaka, the national flag will be hoisted atop prominent buildings and the important establishments will be illuminated. However, lighting will not be permitted on the black night of genocide on 25th March. Main roads and traffic islands in Dhaka and other cities will be decorated with national flag and other flags. President Md. Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus have issued separate messages on the occasion. 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. Different political parties as well as socio-cultural and professional organisations have drawn elaborate programmes to observe the day in a befitting manner. In his message, the president said on March 26, 1971, through the Declaration of Independence, an independent and sovereign Bangladesh was born. The final victory was achieved through a nine-month-long armed War of Independence. Recalling with deep respect the millions of martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the liberation war, the president said “To achieve the desired goal of independence, democracy must be strengthened and forbearance, human rights and the rule of law have to be consolidated. Equity, transparency and accountability must be ensured in all spheres of the state and society. The young generation once again shed their blood in the July mass uprising to realise our unfulfilled dreams of independence. Building a safe, happy, beautiful, developed and prosperous Bangladesh for the new generation is now our sacred duty.” He also urged all to contribute more from their respective positions to build a society free from all forms of discrimination and exploitation in realising the goal of independence and steer the country and the nation forward on the path of development and prosperity. In his message, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus said “I extend my sincere greetings and congratulations to all Bangladeshis living in the country and abroad.” Achieving independence was the final stage of a long struggle to protect our dignity and existence and to gain our rights. The bloody War of Independence, through which Bangladesh emerged as an independent nation in the world, officially began on this day. I remember with reverence the valiant martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the War of Independence, whose supreme sacrifices brought us our desired freedom, he 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,” said the message 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-orientated and sustainable development, and ensure transparency and accountability through necessary reforms in all spheres of the state.” He also urged all to take the oath to work for the development, peace and prosperity of the country, keeping in mind the spirit of the great liberation war.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus will address the nation on Tuesday evening. The Chief Adviser will start to deliver his speech at 7pm on the occasion of Independence Day and Eid-ul-Fitr, said CA's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. Chief Adviser Prof Yunus to address the nation at 7:30 pm today The speech will be aired by Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar.