The independence of Bangladesh was declared on 26 March 1971 following the crackdown by the Pakistani army on the night of 25 March 1971. Since then, the day has been observed as the Independence Day. March 26. The day Independence of Bangladesh was formally declared on the eve of a 9 month long war of Independence with Pakistan that led to the emergence of Bangladesh as a sovereign nation. After many years of exploitation, both politically and economically, the Bengali national sentiments led to the massive victory of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the Awami League in the Pakistan National Elections of 1970. The ruling oligarchs in the then West Pakistan balked at having to give up the reigns of power to East Pakistanis. They stalled the installation of the newly elected parliament, and on the dark night of March 25, 1971 embarked on a genocidal reign of terror aimed at extinguishing all signs of Bengali nationalism. In the face of this, the inevitable declaration of independence was proclaimed, and the fight was on for the people of Bangladesh to achieve independence, at a terrible price of 3 million people killed by the marauding armies of Pakistan.

On that -day the nation is observing the National day. Twenty eight- year ago on this day the barbarous hordes of Yahya Khan, the then President of Pakistan, fell upon the innocent and unarmed Bangalees to crush their demand for the forming of the government at the centre, after having won the national elections. It was a rightful and legitimate claim of the Bangalees, who were then known as East Pakistanis.

It was the worst of the day, because it had marked the beginning of killings of hundreds of thousands people including writers, journalists, intellectuals and other resourceful people of the society. Our mothers and sisters were raped and forcibly kept in army bunkers for months together. Thousands of houses were burnt and the worst type of genocide was committed. The world has never witnessed such brutalities, ruthlessness, terrors and orgies unleashed by the Pakistani hordes of Yahya Khan. It has surpassed all records in their ferocity and intensity.

On the occasion of Independence Day the NATIONAL FLAG is hoisted atop all public buildings, and the streets and houses are draped in banners and festoons. In the morning, the school children take part in parade, games and sports, and in the evening, cultural and film shows are presented and the streets are illuminated. Special diet is served in hospitals, orphanages and prisons.