Bangladesh Independence Day — 26 March
Bangladesh celebrates its Independence Day every year on 26 March, marking the events of 1971.
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Why 26 March?
Bangladesh observes Independence Day on 26 March, commemorating the 1971 declaration that separated the territory from Pakistan and launched the Liberation War. After the Pakistani military's crackdown on the night of 25 March, the independence of Bangladesh was proclaimed in the name of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and a nine-month war followed in which millions were displaced. Victory came on 16 December 1971, now marked separately as Victory Day. The green flag with its red disc symbolises the lush land and the blood of those who died for freedom; the red circle, set slightly toward the hoist so it appears centred when the flag flies, represents the rising sun over Bengal. Independence Day is a national public holiday observed with a gun salute, wreath-laying at the National Martyrs' Memorial in Savar, parades and cultural programmes. It stands among the most solemn and significant dates in the country's history, honouring the sacrifice that created the nation.
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Quick facts
- Date
- 26 March (every year)
- Official name
- Independence Day
- Commemorates
- 1971
- Public holiday
- Yes, in Bangladesh