AGARTALA, March 26 (TIWN):): Agartala Bangladesh Visa Office on Thursday celebrated the Independence Day of Bangladesh. To mark the occasion, National Flag of Bangladesh was hoisted by the Director of Bangladesh Visa office, Agartala, Obeidur Rahmann. While, at 7:00 pm a cultural programme followed by panel discussion was held to mark the celebration. Chief Minister Manik Sarkar was the Chief Guest of the programme.

Speaking on this gracious occasion, Mr. Rahman told that, “26 March is observed as Independence Day of Bangladesh to commemorate the fact that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman (our first president and one of the leaders of the independence movement) declared independence in the late hours of 25 March 1971 (or the early hours of 26 March). The people of East Pakistan was no longer considered themselves as a part of Pakistan but rather citizens of the new country of Bangladesh. The Bangladesh Liberation War ensued from 26 March onward as the Pakistani military (under orders from their president Yahya Khan) tried to restore the West Pakistani government's authority over Bangladesh.”

But after the change of plot in the year 1975, the situation turns in to a bad shape when Sheikh Mujibar Rahman was brutally killed along with family members. But during the reign of Rahman’s worthy daughter Sheikh Hasina, peace is prevailing in the country- Mr. Rahman further added.

The Independence Day is also celebrated in Bangladesh with due respect. President and Prime Minister had pay tributes to the martyrs. Besides that in the 90 missions of Bangladesh this glorious day is observed.  The day is a memorial to the deaths of thousands of innocent civilians who died in the subsequent Bangladesh Liberation War. Independence Day is commonly associated with parades political speeches, fairs, concerts, ceremonies, various other public and private events celebrating the history and traditions of Bangladesh. TV and radio stations broadcast special programs and patriotic songs in honor of Independence Day.

Generally, a thirty-one gun salute is conducted in the morning. The main streets of Bangladesh are decorated with national flags. Different political parties and socioeconomic organizations undertake programs to mark the day in a befitting manner, including the paying of respects at Jatiyo Sriti Soudho, the national memorial at Savar near Dhaka.