RANGPUR, March 26, 2022 (BSS) - The celebrations of the Independence and
National Day-2022 with colorful programs literally turned Rangpur into a city
of festivity, happiness and jubilation today.

Celebration of the Day bears a special significance this time in the extended
'Mujib Barsho' which began from the centenary birth anniversary of Father of
the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman till March 31 this year.

Thousands of people participated in celebrations as their euphoria and
excitement knew no bounds while celebrating the occasion abiding by the
health directives despite the Covid-19 pandemic continuing to improve.

With the sunrise, the celebrations began with heralding 31 gun salutes at
'Swadhinota Smritistambha Arjan' at zero hours at the Modern Mour point in
the city.

Later, floral wreaths were placed at 'Swadhinota Smritistambha Arjan',
Central Shaheed Minar, 'Shaheed Muktijoddha Smritistambha' and mural of
Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the city.

Divisional Commissioner Md. Abdul Wahhab Bhuiyan, Mayor of Rangpur Md
Mostafizar Rahman Mostafa, Deputy Inspector General for Rangpur Range Police
Devdas Bhattacharya, Rangpur Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mohd Abdul Alim
Mahmud, Deputy Commissioner Md Asib Ahsan, Superintendent of Police Md.
Ferdous Ali Chowdhury, former Commander of Rangpur district unit Command of
Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangsad heroic freedom fighter Mosaddek Hossain Bablu
and District Council Chairman Advocate Chhafia Khanom first placed wreaths at
these places.

Later, President of district Awami League (AL) Mamtaz Uddin Ahmed, its
General Secretary Advocate Rezaul Karim Raju, President of city AL Shafiur
Rahman Shafi, its General Secretary Tushar Kanti Mandal and leaders of AL's
associate bodies and other political parties, heroic freedom fighters, heads
of government departments and educational institutions, business bodies,
civil society members, professionals and commoners placed wreaths.

The national flag was hoisted atop all government, semi-government, private
and public buildings, educational institutions and other establishments with
the sunrise.

The Divisional Commissioner with the divisional and district level high
officials ceremonially hoisted the national flag amid rendering of the
National Anthem at Rangpur Stadium at 8 am.
 

Later, the Divisional Commissioner took salute from the March Pasts of heroic
freedom fighters, police, Ansar-VDP, BNCC, fire service and civil defense
personnel, jail guards, scouts, girls in scouts, students and children and
witnessed colourful displays there.

Drawing competitions for children on the War of Liberation, charity football
matches, sports competitions, screening of films on the War of Liberation at
cinema halls and open places, blood donation and free diabetic test camps and
cultural functions were organised at different venues.

The main streets and roadside islands were decorated colorfully with the
national flag, posters and miniatures and the government, semi-government and
private buildings illuminated in the city.
 
Heroic freedom fighters, family members and relatives of martyred freedom
fighters were accorded receptions at the Town Hall auditorium.

A special discussion on the War of Liberation and independence for women
followed by sports competitions was arranged at Rangpur Government Girls'
High School premises.

Special prayers and munajats were offered at mosques, temples, pagodas,
churches and other places of worship seeking eternal peace for departed souls
of martyred freedom fighters and continuous peace, progress and development
of the nation.

Improved diets were served to the inmates of all hospitals, jails, vagabond
centers, Shishu Paribars and orphanages.

Rangpur Kendra of Bangladesh Betar aired special programs and local dailies
and online newspapers published special supplements glorifying the importance
and dignity of the Independence and National Day- 2022.

The district administration arranged the main discussion followed by prize
distribution and cultural function on the Central Shaheed Minar premises.

The district and city units of AL and its associate bodies, heroic freedom
fighters, different political parties and organisations, all educational
institutions celebrated the day with daylong colorful programs turning
Rangpur into a city of joyfulness today.