Dhaka: The nation is set to celebrate the 48^th Independence and National Day on Monday with due respect.

On March 26, 1971, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared Bangladesh’s independence following the crackdown on unarmed Banglalees on the midnight of March 25 by the Pakistani occupation forces.

After the nine-month War of Liberation with the supreme sacrifices of three million people, Bangladesh achieved its cherished independence on December 16, 1971.

This year the nation is celebrating the day amid much enthusiasm as the historic 7^th March speech of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman got the prestigious place in the world’s documentary heritage.

On October 30 last, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) recognised the Bangabandhu’s historic 7^th March Speech as a world documentary heritage.

The country this year has also achieved a milestone progress in socio- economic development.

The Committee for Development Policy (CDP) of the United Nations on March 15 officially declared the eligibility of Bangladesh for graduating from the Least Development Countries (LDCs).

The day is a public holiday.

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages on the occasion.

Both the President and the Prime Minister greeted the countrymen living at home and abroad on the occasion.

“Bangladesh is elevated from least developed country (LDC) to the developing nation in context of three index of being a developing country. As a nation, it is a great achievement for us. Bangladesh is now being branded as a role model of development in the outside world,” said Abdul Hamid.

“Our achievement in international arena is also commendable. Our expatriate Bangladeshis have also been making significant contributions to our national economy through sending their hard-earned remittances. Nevertheless, we have to go a long way for achieving the desired goals of independence. We must ensure good governance, social justice, transparency and accountability to make the development people oriented and sustainable,” he said.

Sheikh Hasina said,” Being imbued with the spirit of the freedom struggle, the Awami League government has been working relentlessly to develop the country. During the last 8 years, we have implemented expected development programmes in all sectors. As a result, Bangladesh has emerged as a ‘Role Model’ of socio-economic development.”

The world is now acclaiming Bangladesh for attaining remarkable progress in socio-economic fronts, she said adding,”We will turn Bangladesh into a middle-income country by 2021 and a developed one by 2041, Insha Allah.”

Besides, the government has taken a programme to sing the country’s national anthem ‘Amar Sonar Bangla’ written by Rabindranath Tagore at 8am across the country and Bangladesh missions abroad on the Independence Day.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will lead the nation to sing the national anthem at a programme to be held at Bangabandhu National Stadium here in the morning.

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will place wreaths at the National Mausoleum at Savar.

The national flag will be hoisted atop government and private buildings while the government and semi-government buildings and other public places will be illuminated on the auspicious occasion.

National dailies will bring out special supplements while Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television, private radio stations and television channels will air special programmes highlighting the significance of the day.

Special prayers will be offered at all mosques, temples, churches and other places of worship across the country seeking divine blessings for the eternal peace of the departed souls of Father of the Nation, four national leaders, martyrs of the War of Liberation and all other patriotic sons of the soil.

Improved diets will be served to the inmates of hospitals, jails, old homes and other public institutions to mark the day.

Different political parties as well as socio-cultural and professional organisations have drawn elaborate programmes to observe the day in a befitting manner.