RAJSHAHI, March 26, 2024 (BSS) - The city corporation and district administration along with different political, socio-cultural organisations and educational institutions today celebrated the 54th Independence and National Day-2024 in a befitting manner.
 
The colourful celebrations began with heralding 31-gun salute at police lines besides hoisting of national flags atop all the public and private buildings at dawn.
 
Floral wreaths were placed at different Shaheed Memorial Plaques and mausoleums in the city with the sunrise.
 
A programme of hoisting the national flag formally, gathering and march-past was held at Muktijuddho Smrity Stadium at 8 am.

Commissioner of Rajshahi division Dr Dewan Muhammad Humayun Kabir hoisted the national flag and witnessed the march-past.
 
A discussion titled "Jatir Pita Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahmaner Netritya and Desher Unnayan'' was held at Shilpakala Academy auditorium. The valiant freedom fighters were accorded reception there.
 
Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner Dr Dewan Muhammad Humayun Kabir addressed the meeting as the chief guest while Deputy Inspector General of Police Anisur Rahman, Commissioner of Rajshahi Metropolitan Police Biplob Bijoy Talukder and Superintendent of Police Saifur Rahman and Deputy Commissioner of Rajshahi Shamim Ahmed spoke as special guests.
 
Local units of Awami League and its front organisations celebrated the day through various programmes, including discussion meetings and placing floral wreaths paying rich tribute to the martyred freedom fighters.
 
Rajshahi City Corporation celebrated the great day through daylong programmes.
 
Art competition, rendering patriotic songs and poetry recitation were also held for the school and college students on the occasion.
 
Improved diets were served to the inmates of hospitals, prison, safe homes, orphanage centres and students dormitories.
 
Special prayers were offered at the city's different mosques after Johr prayers and different other places of worship, seeking divine blessings for peace and progress of the nation.
 
Various educational institutions, including Rajshahi University, Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology, Rajshahi Medical University, Rajshahi Education Board, Rajshahi Medical College, Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank, Barind Multipurpose Development Authority and Bangladesh Silk Board also celebrated the day through separate programmes.
 
Besides, the city's important tourist spots and places like Rajshahi University Smrity Sangrahashala, Varendra Research Museum, Central Zoo and Shishu Park remained open for the visitors throughout the day.