The Independence Day of Bangladesh is celebrated every year on March 26. It is the national holiday of Bangladesh that commemorates the country’s independence from Pakistan in 1971. On the morning of March 26, 1971, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared Bangladesh’s independence from Pakistan, which were known at the time as East Pakistan and West Pakistan, respectively. The day is characterized by parades, speeches, fairs, and ceremonial events to commemorate that historic day in 1971.
History of Independence Day of Bangladesh
During the Partition of India on August 14, 1947, Pakistan gained independence from Britain and became separated from India. After this, the area now known as Bangladesh was referred to as East Bengal but later called East Pakistan.However, in 1970, the country was led by President Yahya Khan, from the minority West Pakistan region. After the general elections, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who was from East Pakistan (Bangladesh), won the elections. The government refused to hand over power to Rahman.This led to a demand for independence by the people of East Pakistan. The East Pakistan government began arresting army personnel who were from East Pakistan, leading to forced disappearances. On the night of March 25, 1971, the Pakistan Army declared “Operation Searchlight,” a military operation that was essentially Bengali genocide, leading to approximately 3,000,000 Bengalis being killed indiscriminately.Finally, on the morning of March 26, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared the independence of East Pakistan from West Pakistan. Unfortunately, the story didn’t end there. For nine months following that day, a liberation war raged between both regions, leading to many people dying. The war, which became known as the “Bangladesh War of Independence,” finally came to an end on December 16, 1971. Pakistan finally surrendered.In Bangladesh, independence celebrations are characterized by parades, speeches, fairs, and ceremonial events designed to commemorate the country’s liberation. On the morning of the day, a thirty-one gun salute is shot.
Independence Day of Bangladesh timeline
Bangladesh gains independence from Pakistan on March 26.
The Bangladesh War of Independence comes to an end nine months after it begins.
The annual Independence Day Award is instituted.
Bangladesh marks the golden jubilee of independence from Pakistan.
Independence Day of Bangladesh FAQs
What language is spoken in Bangladesh?
Bengali is the official language of Bangladesh, though other indigenous languages are spoken, such as Bishnupriya Manipuri and Chakma.
Who is the president of Bangladesh?
Abdul Hamid, elected in 2013, is the current president of Bangladesh.
What status is Bangladesh as a country?
The United Nations classifies Bangladesh as a least developed country.
How to Celebrate Independence Day of Bangladesh
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Join the festivities
If you’re from Bangladesh or have Bengali heritage, don’t hesitate to join in on the festivities. This can be done in the comfort of your home or from any part of the world by streaming important events or wishing your fellow countrymen happy independence on the internet!
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Learn more about Bangladesh
Expand your world knowledge by learning more about Bangladesh, its history, culture, languages, and religion. The more we learn about one another, the more peaceful our world becomes.
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Post on social media
Celebrate by posting a picture of the Bangladesh national flag and using the hashtag #independencedaybangladesh, so the rest of the world knows what we’re celebrating.
5 Important Facts About Bangladesh
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Huge population
In terms of population size, Bangladesh ranks number eight in the entire world, with over 160 million inhabitants!
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The six seasons
Instead of the typical four seasons, Bangladesh has six seasons, namely: Grisma (summer), Barsa (rainy season), Sarat (autumn), Hemanta (cool season), Shhit (winter), and Basanta (spring).
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Royal Bengal Tiger
The country’s national animal, the Royal Bengal Tiger, has a roar so loud it can be heard from three kilometers away!
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No smiling
In Bangladesh, smiling too often is viewed as a sign of immaturity, so people rarely smile.
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World’s largest mangrove forest
Bangladesh is home to the world’s largest mangrove forest, Sundarbans National Park.
Why We Love Independence Day Of Bangladesh
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Independence
We love Independence Day because it reiterates what the world has realized: that people have the right to self-govern if they so desire. The desire for freedom is inborn in every man, and Independence Day reminds us of that.
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Conflict resolution
This Independence Day and the events that followed are a reminder that conflict must be resolved peacefully. War isn’t the only way.
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Peace
This day is even more special as a result of the eventual peace reached between Bangladesh and Pakistan. Every war must come to an end, and peace must reign.
Independence Day of Bangladesh dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | March 26 | Sunday |
| 2024 | March 26 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | March 26 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | March 26 | Thursday |
| 2027 | March 26 | Friday |
