Photo : BSS

KHULNA, March 26, 2025 (BSS) - The district administration along with different socio, cultural and political organization today celebrated the 55th Independence and National Day-2025 with due respect and befitting manner.

Khulna District Administration took elaborate programmes to mark the day. The celebrations began with heralding 31-gun salutes at the Khulna Metropolitan Police Line premises at dawn. 

Marking the Day, National flags were hoisted atop of all government, semi-government, autonomous and private buildings and institutions. The main roads and intersections of the city were decorated with national flags.

Various organizations and individuals paid homage to martyrs at the Gallamari Martyrdom Memorial here by placing floral wreaths in the morning. 

Khulna City and District Muktijoddha Sangsad (Freedom Fighters' Association), KCC administrator and divisional commissioner Md. Firoz Sarkar, range DIG of police Md. Rezaul Haque, KMP police commissioner Md. Zulfikar Ali Haider, deputy commissioner Mohammad Saiful Islam, superintendent of police, district council administrator, Khulna Development Authority (KDA), Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defense Force, Batiaghata Upazila Administration, Lawyers' Association, various government offices, student representatives from anti-discrimination movements, educational institutions, political leaders, professional organizations and leaders of social, cultural, and literary organizations placed wreaths.

Earlier, Khulna divisional commissioner, Md. Firoz Sarkar, formally hoisted the national flag as the chief guest at the Khulna District Stadium. 

Later, a colourful rally was held with the participation of different government organizations including Police, Ansar-VDP, BNCC, Fire Service & Civil Defense, prison guards and students from various educational institutions. 

Besides, Khulna City Corporation (KCC) organized children's drawing and essay competitions, a discussion session and an award distribution program at the Nagar Bhabon. The KCC administrator Md. Firoz Sarkar attended the event as the chief guest. 

Presided over by KCC chief executive officer (CEO) Laskar Tajul Islam, the program was addressed, among others, by KCC secretary Sharif Asif Rahman, chief revenue officer Rahima Sultana Bushra, acting chief engineer Mashiuzzaman Khan and revenue officer SKM Tasaduzzaman.

In the afternoon, a reception to freedom fighters and families was held at the Khulna District Shilpakala Academy Auditorium. Khulna divisional commissioner attended the function as the chief guest.

Addressing the event, the chief guest said, "The brave freedom fighters have given us an independent country. The Liberation War is our inspiration for patriotism. Love for the country is the key to building a prosperous nation and only when the country flourishes can we truly prosper."

Liberation war-related films and documentaries were screened in cinemas and open spaces to mark the day.
 
Improved diet were served in hospitals, prisons, old-age homes, orphanages, rehabilitation centers for street children, centers for the welfare of disabled individuals, child daycare centers, and shelters for the homeless. 

Special prayers were offered in mosques after Zuhr prayers while prayers at temples, churches, pagodas and other places of worship for national peace and progress.

Important government, semi-government, autonomous, and private buildings were illuminated with decorative lighting. Students from schools, colleges and madrasas participated in various sports competitions including T20 cricket, football, and kabaddi at the district and upazila levels.

All parks and the divisional museum in Khulna were open to children free of charge from morning until evening.

Various political parties including BNP, NCP and Jamaat-e-Islami, social and cultural organizations and educational institutions organized programmes highlighting the significance of the day.

Besides, different educational institutions including Khulna University (KU), Khulna University of Engineering Technology (KUET), Khulna Agriculture University (KAU), Khulna Press Club, Metropolitan Journalists Union, Mongla Port Authority, West Zone Power Company Ltd (OZOPADICO) organized various programs marking the day.