Photo: PMO

DHAKA, Mar 26, 2026 (BSS)- Independence and National Day Parade 2026 was held with great pomp at the National Parade Square today after 18 years.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin attended as the chief guest and took the salute during the parade. 

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman also witnessed the colorful parade. 

Earlier, the premier along with Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan, State Minister Ishraque Hossain, Prime Minister's Defence Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam, Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Nazmul Hassan and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan received the President at the parade ground.

Jatiya Sangsad speaker, cabinet members, members of parliament, senior military and civil officials, foreign diplomats and media personalities were present on the occasion.

The parade was organized under the auspices of the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs with the support of the Armed Forces Division and overall management of the 9th Infantry Division.

Freedom fighters, armed forces, paramilitary forces and members of the Fire Service and Civil Defence took part in the parade.

General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 9th Infantry Division and Area Commander of Savar Area Major General SM Asadul Haque performed as the parade commander while Commander of the 71 Mechanized Brigade Brigadier General Mohammad Shafqat-Ul-Islam served as the deputy commander.

A total of 25 contingents from different forces gave salute to the President.

Commander of 9 Artillery Brigade Brigadier General Md Anwar Uz Zaman led the combined mechanized contingent.

The mechanized display included significant military weapons. In addition, decorated vehicles carried freedom fighters who gave salute to the President.

Fly-pasts by Army Aviation, Naval Aviation, BGB Air Wing and RAB Forces and freefall jumps by adventurous Para Commando members made the parade more interesting.

After the mechanized display, Bangladesh Air Force conducted a spectacular fly-past and aerobatic display. Air Commodore Mehedi Hasan led the aerial formation.
State-owned Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar and other private TV channels and radio stations live telecast the parade.

According to the ISPR, in order to uphold the true history of the great independence and Liberation War to the new generation, a significant number of banners and billboards containing the spirit of the great Independence and National Day were displayed on two sides of the city roads and the National Parade Square.

These banners and billboards reflected the great Liberation War and the immortal history and heritage of the Bangalee nation.
 
In addition, pictures of notable activities of all the forces participating in the parade have been displayed on the parade ground.