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Independence Day today

By Staff Correspondent
The nation observes its 21st Independence and National Day today (Tuesday).
The country's independence was declared on this day and the valiant sons of the soil took up arms against the Pakistan occupation army.
freedom Fighters along with members of the police, BDR, army, navy and air force waged a relentless struggle that lasted nine months and cost over three million lives.
This year's Independence and National Day bears a special significance for the people as it is being observed after their victory in ousting an au-tocratlc government and establishing an elected one.
In a message to the nation on the occasion. Acting President Justice Shahabuddln Ahmed congratulated the people and called for a fresh vow to realise the aspirations of the nation through united and coordinated efforts.
He said that there may be differences of opinion in a democratic system but 'we must remain united apd steadfast in achieving the goals of the nation.'
Begum Khaleda Zia, the new Prime Minister of the country recalled the sacrifices of the
millions of people and especially those who had embraced martyrdom for the cause of liberation.
She said Shaheed Zia and thousands of others made supreme sacrifices for the liberation of the country.
Begum Zia said this year's Independence Day has a special significance for the people as they have triumphed over an autocratic regime after a nine-year movement.
She called upon the countrymen to safeguard the independence and sovereignty of the nation. The day began with a 31-gun salute in the capital.
The national flag will be hoisted atop all public and private buildings on the day which is a national holiday.
Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia will attend a rally of school and college students and juvenile organisations as chief guest at the National Sta dium at 8 A.M.
Leaders of political parties will visit the National Mausoleum at Savar to pay respects to the martyrs.
The day's programme includes holding of sports com-Citions. illumination of pub-buildings, photo and art exhibitions on the Liberation War. holding of seminars and symposia on the attainment of self-reliance in every sphere of national life.
The Acting President will also host a reception at Bangabhaban this evening.
Newspapers will bring out special supplements while Radio Bangladesh and Bangladesh Television will broadcast special programmes, on the day.
Different organisation have also chalked out elaborate programmes in observance of the day. Bangladesh Nationalist Party has chalked out a day-long programme to observe the Independence Day.
The programme will begin with the hoisting of the national and party flags atop the BNP central office at 8 am. leaders and workers of the party will start for the Jatiya Smrtti Soudha at Savar to lay wreaths as a mark of respect to the martyrs.
They will also offer prayers at the mazar of late President Ziaur Rahman on the way back from Savar.
Awaml League will start the day with the hoisting of national and party flags atop the AL central office at Banga-bandhu Avenue and at the Bangabandhu Bhaban at 6 am.
AL chief Sheikh Hasina accompanied by central leaders will garland the portrait of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at his Dhanmondi residence at 7 a.m.
At 8.30 a.m. leaders and workers of the party will start for the national memorial at Savar to lay wreaths as a mark of respect to the martyrs.
Bangla Academy will hold a discussion meeting and a recitation session at the Academy premises today at 3 pm. in observance of the National and Independence Day.
Nazrul Jatiya Sangskritic Academy will observe the day by placing wreaths at Jatiya Smrtti Soudha and praying for the martyrs.
Bangladesh Book Publishers and Sellers Association will hold a book fair today at Central Public Library .
The fair will continue till April 5 and will begin at 10 am and end at 7 pm every day.
Freedom Party will hold a discussion meeting on the Independence Day at its central office at 5 pm.
The Shilpakala Academy will start a three-day pro-
gramme beginning today which Includes placing wreaths at the national monument for the martyrs at Savar In the morning and a discussion at Its auditorium at 11 am. Photography exhibition will also be held at the Shilpakala Academy gallery.
Bangladesh Shlshu Academy ' began Its two-day programme yesterday at the Academy to celebrate the day.
The DUCSU will hold an exhibition football match at Dhaka University ground tomorrow at 3 pm.
Special prayers will be offered in mosques, mandirs, churches and other places of worship for he peace and progress of the country.