Lesson 5 : Independence Day

26 March, our Independence Day, is the biggest state festival. The day is celebrated
every year in the country with great enthusiasm and fervour. It is a national holiday.
All offices, educational institutions, shops and factories remain closed on this day.
The day begins with 31 gunshots.

Early in the morning the President and the Prime Minister on behalf of the nation
place floral wreaths at the National Musolium at Savar. Then diplomats, political
parties, social and cultural organisations, and freedom fighters pay homage to the
martyrs. People from all walks of life also come there with rallies and processions.
There are several cultural programmes throughout the day highlighting the heroic
struggle and sacrifice in 1971.
The country also witness a smartly dressed parade of defence forces, border guards,
police, ansars and the VDP (Village Defense Party) at the National Parade Ground
near the National Parliament. In Bangabandhu Stadium, school children, scouts and
girl guides take part in various displays to entertain thousands of spectators. The
educational institutions also organise their individual programmes. Sports meets and
tournaments are also organised on the day including the exciting boat race in the river
Buriganga.
In the evening, all major public buildings are illuminated with colourful lights.
Bangla Academy, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy and other socio-cultural
organisations hold cultural functions. Similar functions are also arranged in other
places in the country.