Celebration 50 years of Bangladesh's independence

The nation celebrates 50 years of its Independence and National Day today coinciding with the grand celebration of the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The grand celebration of the birth centenary of Bangabandhu and the golden jubilee of Bangladesh's independence, which marked the physical attendance of five heads of states and governments and virtual attendance of other global leaders, started on March 17 at the National Parade Square in the presence of Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. The 10-day grand celebration will end today following the celebration of the Independence and National Day with the attendance of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in person as the guest of honour. Earlier, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, Nepalese President Bidya Devi Bhandari and Bhutanese Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering joined the grand celebration in person since March 17. Marking the day, the government has taken elaborate programs maintaining the health guidelines in view of the global pandemic coronavirus. People from all walks of life, including families of Bir Shreshthas, war wounded freedom fighters, members of the diplomatic corps, leaders of different memorial in the morning of the day. The day's programs will begin by heralding a 50-gun salute early in the morning as a mark of profound respect to the heroic struggle of this nation, which suffered a protracte