<div style="text-align: justify; "><b style="font-size: 1rem;">Bangladesh will celebrate its 53rd independence anniversary on March 26. This day is a symbol of freedom from Pakistan in 1971. This day symbolizes the struggle and sacrifice of Bangladeshi people to achieve independence and birth of a new nation.</b><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A notification published on January 22, 1972 recognized this day as a national day and public holiday of Bangladesh.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The history of 26 March 1971 is a poignant reminder of the brutality of the Pakistan Army and the resilience of the Bangladeshi people.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On the night of March 25, 1971, the Pakistani army began a brutal crackdown on Bengalis demanding greater autonomy and rights within Pakistan. This event marked the beginning of the Bangladesh Liberation War, which lasted nine months and resulted in the birth of a new nation.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As the night progressed, news of the horrific atrocities of the Pakistani army began to emerge. Journalist Anthony Mascarenhas wrote in his book "The Rape of Bangladesh", "Dhaka University became a living graveyard. The surroundings were littered with corpses." "The army's brutality knew no bounds, they killed and raped with barbaric sounds. Helpless and frightened women students were treated like objects. They were stripped naked and stripped of their dignity."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">After Operation Blitz in November 1970, the West Pakistan government ordered the massacre on this day. Which is historically known as Operation Searchlight. The main objective of Operation Searchlight was to capture all major cities by 26 March and eliminate all political and military opposition in West Pakistan within a month.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Historian Gary J. Bass wrote in his book "The Blood Telegram", Bengalis, however, were not intimidated by the brutality of the army. "Pakistani troops faced fierce resistance from the Bengali people, who organized themselves into the Mukti Bahini, a guerilla force fighting for their freedom". The Mukti Bahini managed to take control of large parts of the country and by December 1971 they had effectively liberated Bangladesh.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On March 25, 1971, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was taken into prison custody by the Pakistani occupation forces. Shortly after 12:00 PM on 25 March (early hours of 26 March) he signed the Bangladesh Independence Declaration and then it was sent to the EPR transmitter in Chittagong for broadcast.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It was written in the declaration, this may be my last message, Bangladesh is independent from today. I call upon the people of Bangladesh, wherever you are, to continue resisting the occupying army with all your might. May your fight continue till the last Pakistani soldier is lifted from the soil of Bangladesh and the final victory is achieved.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On March 26, Belal Mohammad, Abul Kasem along with several officials of Chattogram Betar Kendra and local Awami League leader M. A. Hannan first miked Sheikh Mujib's declaration of independence.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In 1971, through this announcement, the bloody independence war began on the soil of Bangladesh, which lasted for nine months.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Independence Day of Bangladesh is celebrated in a very colorful way. The celebrations started with the laying of wreaths at the National Memorial. The day was ushered in with 31 rounds of gunfire. At sunrise, the national flag is hoisted on government, semi-government, autonomous and privately owned buildings.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On the occasion of the day, from morning till night, the main main roads and road islands of the city are decorated with national flags and flags of different colors. At the national stadium, the students of the educational institutions have rallies, parades, displays and physical exercises. Newspapers issue special circulars. Radio and TV channels broadcast special programs.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Every year since 1977, the highest civilian honor medal 'Swadhinta Puraskar' has been awarded on the Independence Day of Bangladesh in memory of the brave martyrs of the 1971 Bangladesh War of Independence. This award is given to individuals or groups who are citizens of Bangladesh in recognition of distinguished and meritorious contributions in various fields determined by the government in the national life.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The declaration of independence on 26th March, 1971, was a pivotal moment in the history of Bangladesh. It marked the beginning of a long and difficult struggle for freedom, a struggle that would ultimately lead to the creation of an independent nation. The sacrifices of the brave men and women who fought for Bangladesh's independence will never be forgotten, and their legacy continues to inspire the nation to this day.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify; ">bnbd24/kh</div>