DHAKA, Mar 26, 2026 (BSS) - The nation today celebrated the 56th Independence and National Day paying rich tributes to the Liberation War heroes whose sacrifices enabled Bengalis to achieve independent Bangladesh through defeating Pakistani occupation forces in 1971. Every year, March 26 brings the most tragic reminiscence of the history's blackest episode that heralded a nine-month bloody ordeal from the night of March 25, 1971, achieving the long-cherished independence on December 16 the same year at the cost of a sea of blood. To mark the Independence Day, people from all walks of life paid rich tributes to the nation's heroic sons by placing floral wreaths at the National Memorial in Savar, on the outskirts of the capital.  Since early morning, leaders of different political parties and social organizations as well as people from different classes and professions started coming to the memorial in groups carrying national flag, flowers, banners and festoons to pay their respects.  As the day progressed, the Shaheed Bedi (altar of the memorial) was filled with flowers. Many were seen wearing red and green clothes at that time. On the occasion, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman paid rich tributes to the Liberation War martyrs by placing wreaths at the National Memorial. Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury, cabinet members, chiefs of the three services, senior BNP leaders, war-wounded freedom fighters, family members of martyrs, diplomats, political leaders, and high civil and military officials, among others, were present. The government has taken elaborate programmes across the country to observe the day with due respect.  President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman issued separate messages on the occasion. Newspapers have published special articles, literary magazines, and supplements marking the day. The day's programmes began with gun salutes early in the morning in all districts and upazilas, including Dhaka. The national flag was hoisted atop all government, semi-government, autonomous, and private buildings at sunrise, while large national flags were also hoisted atop Bangladesh missions abroad, city corporation offices, and high-rise buildings in Dhaka. At 8:00 am, the national flag was officially hoisted at divisional, district, and upazila levels, followed by the singing of the national anthem and rallies, including displays by students of educational institutions. Essay, recitation, and painting competitions were organised in educational institutions across the country, alongside discussions highlighting the significance of the day. The missions abroad also celebrated the day through similar programmes. Ships of the Bangladesh Navy and Bangladesh Coast Guard at various BIWTC ghats-including Chattogram, Khulna, Mongla, Payra ports, Sadarghat in Dhaka, Pagla (Narayanganj), and Barishal-as well as Coast Guard vessels at Chandpur and Munshiganj, were opened to visitors from 9:00 am until sunset. Marking the day, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday issued a commemorative postage stamp at the Cabinet Division office at the Bangladesh Secretariat. Sports events such as football matches, T20 cricket tournaments, kabaddi, and ha-du-du were organised at district and upazila levels. Television channels and radio stations, including Bangladesh Television (BTV) and Bangladesh Betar, broadcasted special programmes highlighting the glorious history of the Liberation War. Films on the Liberation War were screened free of charge in cinema halls across districts and upazilas, including Dhaka. Museums were open free of charge to the public throughout the day. Government and private entertainment centres were also open for children. Colourful cultural programmes were held at tourist centres across the country. Special prayers were offered in mosques, while prayers were also held in temples, churches, pagodas, and other places of worship seeking forgiveness for the souls of the martyred freedom fighters, good health for living freedom fighters, and peace, prosperity, and progress of the nation. Feasts were arranged in public hospitals, prisons, government children's homes, rehabilitation centres, and welfare institutions across the country marking the day. In districts across Bangladesh, similar commemorative events took place. In Shariatpur, the administration, police, and veterans' groups laid wreaths at the central Shaheed Minar, while thousands of citizens joined the tribute at sunrise.  Tangail witnessed 31 gun salutes, flag hoisting, and placing of floral wreath at the martyr memorials, along with student assemblies, parades, and special prayers across mosques, temples, and churches.  In Bogura, a colorful parade and physical drills by students marked the day, accompanied by wreath-laying ceremonies at local memorials and awards for parade participants. Other districts also organized observances combining tribute and community engagement. Sherpur held wreath-laying ceremonies, flag hoisting, student assemblies, parades, and cultural competitions throughout the day.  Feni saw thousands gather at the Liberation War Memorial, with officials, political leaders, and civic organizations participating in floral tributes, student displays, and evening cultural programs. Munshiganj conducted flag hoisting, parades, and awards ceremonies at local stadiums, alongside exhibitions, discussions, and prayers in religious institutions. The day also highlighted veteran recognition and youth participation.  In Bagerhat, freedom fighters and their families were honored at a district-level reception and discussion, while educational institutions held exhibitions and cultural programs to engage the younger generation in the spirit of the Liberation War. Netrokona marked the day with sunrise gun salutes, wreath-laying at memorials, flag hoisting, student parades, and formal receptions for local freedom fighters. Through these nationwide programs, citizens, officials, students, and social organizations reaffirmed their respect for the nation's martyrs, celebrated the values of independence, and encouraged the younger generation to uphold patriotism, social justice, and national unity.