DHAKA, March 26 (Xinhua) -- Bangladesh celebrated its 56th Independence and National Day on Thursday.
Bangladeshi President Mohammed Shahabuddin attended the Independence and National Day parade. The ceremony was also attended by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and other members of the cabinet, senior government and military officers, ambassadors of various countries, as well as Bangladeshi and foreign guests.
On March 26 every year, Bangladesh commemorates the country's declaration of independence in the early hours of March 26, 1971.
Wearing the red and green of the Bangladeshi flag, people of all ages and all walks of life also thronged the national memorial to pay respect to war heroes.
The national flag was hoisted atop all government and private buildings. Important buildings and structures have been illuminated. Also, key roads and road islands in the capital and other cities across the country have been decorated with national flags and colorful festoons.
Special prayers were offered in mosques, temples, pagodas and other places of worship, while special meals were arranged at the government hospitals, prisons, rehabilitation centers, orphanages, disability welfare centers, old-age homes and daycare centers across the country to mark the day. ■