Staff Reporter:The nation celebrates 50 years of its Independence and National Day today. On the occasion, President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages extending heartfelt greetings and warm felicitations to the countrymen.

Marking the golden jubilee of Bangladesh’s independence,along with the grand celebration of the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the government has taken elaborate programmes maintaining the health guidelines in view of the global pandemic coronavirus.

The day’s programmes begins by heralding a 50-gun salute in the early morning as a mark of profound respect to the heroic struggle of this nation.

President Md Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina place wreaths early in the morning to pay homage to the memories of the martyrs at National Memorial in Savar. People from all walks of life, members of the diplomatic corps, leaders of different political parties, social, cultural and professional bodies, also lay wreaths at the national memorial in the morning of the day.

The national flag is hoisted atop all government, semi-government, autonomous and private buildings, while all streets and important city intersections has been decorated with national and multi-coloured miniature flags and festoons. Important buildings and establishments as well as city streets and islands will be illuminated with colourful lights.

Highlighting the significance of the day,National dailies will bring out special supplements.Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television, private radio stations and television channels will air month-long special programs on Liberation War, while Bangladesh Postal Office will publish commemorating postal stamps.

Reception will be accorded to freedom fighters and the members of martyred freedom fighters at city, zilla and upazila levels. Improved meals will be served to the inmates of hospitals, jails, old homes and orphanage centres to mark the day. All children’s parks and museums will remain open for all, while neval ships of Bangladesh Navy and Coast Guard will be exhibited at Chittagong, Khulna, Mongla and Payra ports and the jetties.

Special prayers will be offered in all mosques, temples, churches and other places of worship across the country seeking divine blessings. Different social and cultural organisations have also arrange discussions, cultural programmes and sports competition.

The 10-day grand celebration will end today. The grand celebrations started on March 17 at the National Parade Square in the presence of Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, will end today with the attendance of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in person as the guest of honour.

The grand celebration of the birth centenary of Bangabandhu and the golden jubilee of Bangladesh’s independence, marked the physical attendance of five heads of states and governments and virtual attendance of other global leaders.

Earlier, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, Nepalese President Bidya Devi Bhandari and Bhutanese Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering joined the mega celebration in person.