CHATTOGRAM, March 26, 2024 (BSS) – The 54th Independence and National Day-2024 was celebrated in the port city as elsewhere in the district today in a befitting manner.
  
Local administration, different political parties and its associated bodies, educational institutions, professional and trade bodies and socio-cultural organisations observed the day through elaborate programmes.

The district administration chalked out elaborate programmes to observe the day amidst much enthusiasm and festivity in the district and renewed pledges to move the country forward side by side upholding the spirit of the Liberation War.

The day's programmes began by heralding 31-gun salutes on the premises of the court building at 12.01 am followed by playing of whistles simultaneously from steamers and vessels of the port to mark of profound respect to the heroic struggle of this nation, which suffered a protracted subjugation under foreign rules from time to time till achieving their long-cherished Independence in 1971.

The programmes included placing of wreaths at Shaheed Minar, hoisting national flag atop all of the government, semi-government, private and public buildings, educational and other institutions and organisations with the rises of sun while all streets and important city intersections are decorated with national and multi-coloured miniature flags and festoons.

Holding discussion meetings, lighting of candle in memory of the martyred freedom fighters, playing of recorded historic speech of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on the March 7, 1971, bringing out processions and holding cultural functions, march pasts and physical displays and reception to freedom fighters.
  
Important buildings and establishments as well as city streets and islands have been illuminated with colourful lights.

The Martyrs' Memorial temporarily set up Shahid Minar at Municipal Model High school filed has become the main venue of the celebration of the day.

Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) has also taken up similar programmes, including placing wreath at Shaheed Minar, arranging colorful function at Chattogram college Parade ground with the participation of the thousand students of its different educational institutions.
  
The district administration victory procession will start from the victory flame at M A Aziz stadium that will parade different important streets including Kazir Deweri, Surson road, Jamal Khan, Andarkillah, Laldigi Par, Kotwali, New Market and Enayet Bazar crossing and culminate on Bijoy mela premises.
 
City Mayor M Reazaul Karim Chowdhury first placed wreaths at Shaheed Minar in the city.

Chattogram Awami League (AL) led by its General Secretary AJM Nasir Uddin, Divisional Commissioner of Chattogram Tofail Islam, Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP), Commissioner Krisno Pada Roy, Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Chattogram range, Nur-e-Alam Mina, Deputy Commissioner of Chattogram Abul Bashar Mohammad Fakruzzaman, Superintendent of District Police  SM Sofiullah, Chattogram Mohanagar Muktijoddah Sangsad Mozaffar Ahmed , Chairman of Chattogram Development Authority (CDA) Jahirul Alam Dobas, President of Chattogram south district AL, Motaheraul Islam Chowdhury, MP, President of North district MA Salam, Chattogram Press Club, Chattogram Union of Journalists, different socio-cultural and educational institutions and individuals also placed wreaths at the Municipal Model High school filed Shaheed Minar.

Vice-Chancellor of Chattogram University (CU) Professor Abu Taher along with teachers, officers and employees of CU also placed wreaths at CU central Shaheed Minar this morning.

On the occasion, special prayers were offered at mosques, temples, churches and other places of worship seeking peace and progress of the country. 

A film on Liberation War was screened. Besides, a reception was accorded to freedom fighters and family members of the martyred freedom fighters at M A Aziz stadium in the city.

A combined march past by police, Ansar, VDP personnel, Fire Service, BNCC, Girl Guide, Scouts and children and juveniles from different educational institutions was held at the M A Aziz Stadium in the city maintaining health rules.

Divisional Commissioner Tofail Islam and Deputy Commissioner Abul Bashar Mohammad Fakruzzaman inspected the march past at Chattogram M A Aziz Stadium through hoisting the National flag and took salute the march past.