The nation is gearing up to celebrate the 54th Independence and National Day today with solemnity and fervor.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina are scheduled to deliver separate messages this afternoon ahead of the occasion.

The day will commence with gun salutes early in the morning, paying tribute to the valiant struggle of the nation. The national flag will be raised across all government and private buildings at sunrise, while streets and intersections will be adorned with national flags and colorful decorations.

Key buildings and landmarks, as well as city streets, will be illuminated with vibrant lights, adding to the festive atmosphere.

The National Martyrs' Memorial at Savar will serve as the focal point of the day's celebrations, where President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, alongside various dignitaries and representatives from different sectors, will lay wreaths in honor of the martyrs.

Various activities and events are planned nationwide, including discussions, cultural programs, and sports competitions organized by institutions such as Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Bangla Academy, and the Liberation War Museum. Additionally, documentaries and films depicting the Liberation War will be screened in cinemas across the country.

Freedom fighters and the families of martyred freedom fighters will be honored at different levels, while commemorative postage stamps will be issued by the Bangladesh Postal Office.

Special prayers will be offered at places of worship for the peace of the departed souls of national heroes, and improved meals will be served to inmates of hospitals, jails, and orphanages.

The day holds significant historical importance, symbolizing the nation's relentless struggle for independence against foreign oppression. It marks the anniversary of the declaration of independence by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on March 26, 1971, igniting the flames of the Liberation War that ultimately led to Bangladesh's independence on December 16 of the same year.

The commemoration serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by millions of Bangladeshi people and the enduring spirit of resilience that secured the nation's freedom.