RANGPUR, March 27, 2018 (BSS) – The people of Rangpur celebrated the Independence and National Day-2018 on Monday amid huge festivity, fanfare and tight security measures through elaborate programmes.
The celebrations had unique impact this time following achieving the criteria of graduation of the country to a developing country from LDC status after recognition of the historic 7th March speech of Bangabandhu as the world’s documentary heritage by the UNESCO.
Thousands of cheering people participated in the celebrations with a fresh oath for building a developed ‘Sonar Bangla’ as dreamt by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
The district administration, City Corporation, Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangshad (BMS), Awami League (AL) and its associate bodies, other political parties, sociocultural, literary, professional and other organisations celebrated the day.
The celebrations began through heralding 31 gun salutes at Police Lines ground at one-minute past midnight and placing wreaths at the Central Shaheed Minar, Swadhinota Smritistambha `Arjan’ and monuments of martyred freedom fighters after sunrise.
Mayor of Rangpur Mostafizur Rahman Mostafa first placed wreaths at the Central Shaheed Minar here at 6 am.
Divisional Commissioner Kazi Hassan Ahmed, Deputy Inspector General (DIG)of Police for Rangpur Range Khondker Golam Faruk, Deputy Commissioner Enamul Habib, Police Super Mizanur Rahman placed wreaths at Swadhinota Smritistambha `Arjan’ and monuments of martyred freedom fighters in the city.
Leaders of AL and its associate bodies, BMS, BNP, Jatiya Party, JASOD, Gano Forum, Ganatantry Party, Workers Party, BSD, CPB and other political parties placed wreaths at these places.
Leaders of Rangpur Ainjibi Samity, Rangpur Chamber, Sommilito Sangskritik Jyote, Rangpur Shahittya Sangskritik Parishad, Ghatok Dalal Nirmul Committee, Shilpokola Academy, Udichhi Shilpi Gosthi, NGOs and other organisations placed there wreaths.
The national flag was hoisted atop all government, semi-government and private buildings, educational and other institutions and receptions were accorded to the freedom fighters and family members of martyred freedom fighters.
The Divisional Commissioner hoisted national flag amid signing of the national anthem and took salute in the colourful march pasts displayed at Rangpur Stadium at 7:30 am.
Documentary films were screened and competitions on drawing for children on independence, sports competitions arranged and cultural functions and discussion meetings were arranged at different venues.
Shooting, drawing competitions for children on the War of Liberation, Independence, charity football match, competitions, cultural functions, prize distribution ceremonies and discussion meetings were organised.
The main streets and roadside islands were decorated with the national flag, posters and miniatures while the government buildings and buildings of other organisations illuminated colourfully giving the city a fascinating look.
Rangpur Kendra of Bangladesh Betar aired special programmes and local dailies, weeklies and online newspapers published special supplements glorifying the day.
Special prayers were offered at all mosques, temples, pagodas and churches and improved diets served to inmates of the hospitals, jails, vagabond centers, ‘Shishu Paribar’ and orphanages.
The day was celebrated here through colourful programmes at Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur Medical College, Carmichael College, Begum Rokeya Government College, Zila School and all other educational institutions.
Divisional Commissioner Kazi Hassan Ahmed addressed the main discussion organised by the district administration, distributed prizes and attended a cultural function at the Central Shaheed Minar as the chief guest last night.
With Deputy Commissioner Enamul Habib in the chair, DIG Khondker Golam Faruk, Zila Parishad Chairman Advocate Chhafia Khanom, Police Super Mizanur Rahman, Acting President of district AL Mamtaz Uddin Ahmed, District Muktijoddha Commander Mosaddek Hossain Bablu, city AL President Shafiur Rahman Shafi, its General Secretary Tushar Kanti Mandal, among others, addressed.