Dhaka, March 26, 2024 (BSS): President Mohammad Sahabuddin and his wife Dr. Rebeka Sultan hosted a celebration today at Bangabhaban in honor of the country’s 54th Independence Day and National Day-2024. Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina were present at the event during Bangladesh’s official visit to Bhutan.
On the occasion of the 54th Independence Day celebrations, Bhutan’s King, upon special invitation from President Sahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, is currently on a four-day official visit to Bangladesh.
At 5 o’clock in the evening, Bhutan’s King, accompanied by his wife Queen Jetsun Pema, attended the celebration at Bangabhaban Lawn.
Nearly 2,600 guests were invited to the Independence and National Day celebrations.
In addition to President Sahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, other dignitaries present at the event included Sheikh Rehana, daughter of Bangabandhu and sister of Prime Minister, Dr. Rebeka Sultan, wife of the President, Saima Wazed, Regional Director of the World Health Organization for Southeast Asia, and daughter of Prime Minister, among others.
Among the invited guests were members of the cabinet, advisors, ministers, members of the Bhutanese delegation, foreign diplomats, judges of the Supreme Court, high-ranking officials of the armed forces, members of parliament, senior political leaders, educators, business community leaders, artists, freedom fighters, and families of recipients of the Bir Protik and Bir Uttam gallantry awards.
Besides top-level civilian and military officials, media personalities, editors, and journalists were also present at the event.
On this occasion, President Sahabuddin, Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, along with the President’s wife Dr. Rebeka Sultan and Bhutan’s Queen, cut a cake placed in a VIP enclosure at the eastern side of the Bangabhaban lawn.
They exchanged greetings and participated in a photo session.
They also exchanged greetings with injured freedom fighters and other distinguished individuals and guests attending the ceremony. Later, an iftar and dinner were arranged at the end of the celebration.
Earlier, special prayers were offered for the uninterrupted peace, progress, and prosperity of the country.
The prayers were led by Imam Maulana M Saiful Kabir at Jam-e-Mosque of Bangabhaban.
Every year, March 26 brings with it the most poignant chapter in history, starting from the darkest part of history when on the night of March 25, 1971, the declaration of the bloodiest genocide and nine months of struggle began, leading to the declaration of independence on December 16 of the same year after crossing the sea of blood.
In the context of the ruthless military repression and torture by the then Pakistani occupation forces, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared Bangladesh’s independence at 32 Dhanmondi Road, Dhaka at 00-30 minutes on March 26 (late night of March 25) through the wireless of the then EPR (East Pakistan Rifles).
This day holds immense significance for the Bengali nation.
