Independence Day in Bangladesh

What is Independence Day?

Bangladesh is celebrating a national holiday. Shadhinota Dibosh, or Bangladesh's Independence Day, is celebrated on March 26, honoring Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's proclamation of independence from Pakistan on March 26, 1971.

On Independence Day, Bangladesh commemorates the martyrs who gave their lives to free the homeland with solemnity.

Independence Day - All Quick Overview

• Time / Date: March 26
• Category: Federal
• Where It’s Marked: Bangladesh
• Why It’s Marked: The day commemorates the independence of Bangladesh from Pakistan in 1971 after a massive war.

History Of Independence Day

The tale of Bangladesh's declaration of independence dates back a long time.

The first hints of an East Pakistan independence movement arose rapidly from different parts of the country. It began in 1947 when the British partitioned India and Pakistan, establishing the "Dominion of Pakistan." The new dominion was administered from West Pakistan, causing friction between the two regions. 

Things started to escalate when the Bangladesh Awami League, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, gained an overwhelming majority in the 1970 general elections. But the West Pakistani leadership was hesitant to hand over power. The government used Pakistani troops to calm the escalating protests.

The people and political parties of East Pakistan wanted justice. Massive unrest started taking place in East Pakistan in demand for independence from West Pakistan. The administration began arresting East Pakistan army soldiers, resulting in forced disappearances. The government of West Pakistan was also feeling the heat, so they started what they did best, plotting against East Pakistan!

Then came West Pakistan's plan and the most horrific night in history. On the night of March 25, 1971, the Pakistan Army proclaimed "Operation Searchlight." That night, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was arrested, and around 60-80,000 highly trained West Pakistani soldiers began slaughtering innocent Bangladeshi people while they were unarmed and sleeping. 

The massacre was technically a genocide because it resulted in the indiscriminate killing of about 3,000,000 Bengalis. 

When the supreme leader of Bangladesh, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, doubted he could be attacked that night, he conveyed a message regarding the attack and declared the independence of Bangladesh. On March 26, 1971, Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendro broadcast the Declaration of Independence, which was widely covered by publications all over the world.

Then, after nine months of bloodshed, East Pakistan became independent of West Pakistan, which is how Bangladesh was born. 

How to Celebrate Independence Day

Conventionally, Independence Day is celebrated with parades, ceremonies honoring the hosting of the flag, political activities, and a variety of other public and private events commemorating the history and customs of Bangladesh. The national flag is displayed festively along the principal thoroughfares. 

Various political parties and socioeconomic organizations each plan to commemorate the day fittingly. Some common traditions of the Independence Day celebration are,

1. Paying Tribute to the Martyrs

During the first hour of Independence Day, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh and the President of Bangladesh visit the National Martyr's Memorial, Savar, to pay their respects to the martyrs who died during the liberation war of 1971. 

The public holiday known as National Day will begin with a wreath-laying ceremony and a  21-gun salute, the National Memorial serving as the primary destination for celebrations.

2. Prayers 

Special prayers are performed at mosques, temples, and pagodas in the hope that the nation will be blessed with peace and wealth.

3. Festivals 

Cultural events, seminars, painting and sporting competitions for children, and screenings of films and documentaries about the conflict are organized by the Liberation War Museum, Bangla Academy, National Museum, Shilpakala Academy, and other social and cultural groups.

4. Media

On Independence Day, it's common for radio and television broadcasters to play and transmit patriotic music and specials from the early hours.

On television are short broadcast dramas, package dama, films, and cultural programs related to the Independence Day of Bangladesh. National newspapers publish special supplements on the occasion of Independence Day.Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television, and other private radio and TV stations air special programs. Special talk shows and live streaming of parades are becoming popular. 

Countries that Observe Independence Day:

Bangladesh Independence Day is celebrated in Bangladesh. Bangladeshi people worldwide also celebrate the day with the utmost festivity.

Interesting Facts About Independence Day

An illuminating past accompanies the celebration of Bangladesh's independence. The history of the country's bravery and courage is remarkable, but the history of the land itself is just as fascinating.

Let's learn some facts about Bangladesh and its Independence Day that might change your perspective!

• Bangladesh celebrated its 50 years of independence in 2021.
• Google Doodle celebrated Bangladesh's Independence Day! This banner showing the sun rising over Bangladesh's landscape is flown to celebrate its independence. On Bangladesh's Independence Day in 2021, the Google Doodle featured a red disk in the flag.
• The Independence Award is the highest civilian honor in Bangladesh. It is also known as the Swadhinata Padak and the Swadhinata Puroskar. In 1997, the honorable award was established. This award recognizes Bangladeshi citizens or organizations for their contributions to the development of Bangladesh in various areas. 
• Bangladesh is home to some truly breathtaking landscapes. Cox's Bazar, the longest sea beach, is in Bangladesh. People from all over the world visit Bangladesh to see the beach.
• The designation of the Sundarbans in Bangladesh as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on December 7, 1997, is evidence of how significant the area's distinct ecosystem and land type are.
• Bangladesh is blessed with six seasons instead of four. The diversified seasons make the country fertile and the best fit for agriculture. 
• Bangladesh is at the top of the Ready Made Garment (RMG) sector. The country exports billions worth of RMG every year. Even in times of pandemic or war, the future is bright for RMG after a record year!

Unique Independence Day Celebration Ideas

You can't help but feel overwhelmed on Bangladesh's Independence Day if you are a Bangladeshi. You get the sense of no longer being subject to the control of the colonial government, and you are free to live in your own country while maintaining an independent frame of mind. 

Patriotic parades and fireworks displays are common on Independence Day. However, you are free to make unique plans for the holiday and observe it in your way. We have put together a list of suggestions you may find interesting:

• Create a program that will exchange information with the people on how to live a life that is both free and successful in a nation that has a great culture and a rich heritage.
• Attend the reading of the Declaration of Independence and do so with a sense of national pride. On March 26, 1971, this was declared the nation's proclamation of independence.
• Learn about the history of your country. The history of your country is rich with bravery, courage, and, lastly, the taste of freedom. Live through the history of the day.
• Watch films and documentaries inspired by Bangladesh's Proclamation of Independence and Independence Day.
• Make the most of the opportunity to give your loved ones a warm embrace and wish them well on their special day.
• Post some funny photographs of children in Bangladesh celebrating a momentous day for them.
• Treat your family and friends to traditional Bengali cuisine. That is a way of paying tribute to your heritage and culture.
• Wear custom-made attire on this special occasion. While choosing a color, you might choose from red, green, and colors of victory!

Independence Day Quotes

Independence Day Bangladesh is a day of the nation's pride and dignity. To live through it, nothing is better than going through some well-written verses inspired by independence. Also, wishing family and friends on Independence Day is a great idea. Some quotes you might use are: 

"Ebarer Shongram amader muktir shongram, Ebarer shongram, shadhinotar Shongram" (This war is a war for independence, a war for freedom). - Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman 

"Joy Bangla!"

"Today, let your spirits soar with the colors of the Indian flag. I hope you have a wonderful Independence Day!"

"You, the people of Bangladesh, are my greatest source of pride. Incredible, unexpected, around-the-globe news. Let's do this in Bangladesh as a team."

FAQ

1. Are Victory Day and Independence Day in Bangladesh on the same day?

No. Victory Day in Bangladesh is on December 16, when the country was liberated. Independence Day, on the other hand, is on March 26, when liberation was declared.

2. What is the common tongue of Bangladesh?

The name of the language of the Bengali people is Bangla. The people of Bangladesh fought for their right to speak in Bangla in 1952.

3. Who is the Prime Minister of Bangladesh?

The current Prime Minister of Bangladesh is Sheikh Hasina, the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman (the father of the nation).