Nation recalls 1971 war heroes with due respect

The nation on Wednesday celebrated the 55th Independence and National Day paying rich tributes to the Liberation War heroes whose sacrifices helped Bengalis achieve independent Bangladesh through defeating Pakistani occupation forces in 1971.

Every year, the 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. 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, BSS reports.

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, Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus paid rich tributes to the Liberation War martyrs by placing wreaths at the National Memorial around 6.11am.

After placing the wreaths, he stood in solemn silence for some time as a mark of profound respect to the memories of the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War. A smartly turned-out contingent drawn from Bangladesh Army, Navy and Air Force presented a state salute at that time while the bugles played the last post.

Later, the family members of Bir Shresthas, war-wounded freedom fighters and other valiant freedom fighters paid their respects. The members of Advisory Council and foreign diplomats also paid their respects.

BNP leaders paid tribute to the martyrs at the National Memorial around 8 am. BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas, Chairperson's Advisor Aman Ullah Aman, Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed, Dhaka District BNP President Khandaker Abu Ashfaq, General Secretary Nipun Roy Chowdhury and Organizing Secretary Irfan Ibne Aman, Dhaka District Jubo Dal President Yasin Ferdous Murad were present on the occasion, among others.

Around 8.30 am, leaders of the National Citizen Party (NCP) led by its convener Nahid Islam paid tribute to the 1971 Liberation War martyrs by placing floral wreaths at the National Memorial.

NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain, Senior Joint Convener Ariful Islam Adib and Chief Coordinator Nasir Uddin Patwary were present on the occasion, among others.

After paying the tribute, Nahid said elections will not be accepted without reforms and trials of the perpetrators of the mass killings during the 2024 uprising.