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fly-past will be held at the National Parade Square, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations.

Shahabuddin and Tarique will be present at the event, which will be open to the public.

On the eve of the occasion, the two issued separate messages.

The objectives of independence were to ensure political and economic freedom, establish a society free from exploitation, uphold the dignity of every citizen and strengthen the empowerment of people at all levels, Shahabuddin said.

“I also pay a humble tribute to Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, Bir Uttam, along with all valiant freedom fighters, the persecuted mothers and sisters, the national leaders and organisers, and the countless people from all walks of life who made outstanding and significant contributions to our historic struggle for freedom,” he added.

Tarique remembered with profound respect the nation’s finest sons, whose sacrifices yielded an independent and sovereign Bangladesh.

“The Great Independence Day inspires us anew with the spirit of courage, sacrifice and patriotism. The fundamental goal of independence was to establish a Bangladesh that is free from discrimination, and to be democratic, peaceful and prosperous,” he added.

In a letter to Shahabuddin, Indian President Droupadi Murmu yesterday extended the neighbouring country’s felicitations.

“India and Bangladesh are bound by a shared history, deep cultural linkages and enduring linguistic traditions that form the foundation of our close partnership,” she said.

National dailies will bring out special supplements while Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television, private radio stations and television channels will air special programmes highlighting the significance of the day.

Different political parties as well as socio-cultural and professional organisations have drawn up elaborate programmes to observe the day.

Ships of the Bangladesh Navy and Bangladesh Coast Guard will be open to visitors at Chattogram Port, Mongla Port and Payra Port, as well as river terminals such as Sadarghat, Pagla Ghat and Barishal Launch Terminal from 9:00am to sunset.

Coast Guard vessels will also be open to visitors at Chandpur and Munshiganj launch ghats, reports BSS.

To mark the day, Tarique yesterday unveiled a commemorative postage stamp.

Exhibition football matches, T20 cricket tournaments and kabaddi competitions will be organised at the district and upazila level.

Cinema halls across the country will screen Liberation War-based films free of charge, while government and private museums will remain open to visitors without tickets from morning to evening.

Recreational centres for children will also remain open.

Cultural programmes will be held at tourist spots nationwide. Special prayers will be offered at mosques, temples, churches, pagodas and other places of worship, seeking eternal peace for martyred freedom fighters, good health for living freedom fighters and national progress.

Special meals will be arranged at the government hospitals, prisons, rehabilitation centres, orphanages, disability welfare centres, old-age homes and daycare centres across the country to mark the day.