, March 26 -- The nation is observing Independence and National Day on Thursday with elaborate programmes and due solemnity, paying rich tributes to the martyrs of the Liberation War.

The armed struggle for national independence formally began in the early hours of March 26 following the brutal crackdown on the unarmed Bengalis on the 'black night' of March 25. Thus March 26 is celebrated as the Independence and National Day.

After the nine-month War of Liberation with the supreme sacrifices of three million people and at the cost of chastity of two lakh women, Bangladesh achieved its cherished independence on December 16, 1971.

The day is a public holiday.

The government has taken up elaborate programmes at the national level to cele...