Bangladesh celebrates its 39th Independence Day

Dhaka, Mar. 26 (ANI): Bangladesh on Friday celebrated its 39th Independence and National Day.

President Zillur Rahman, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Leader of Opposition, Khaleda Zia, issued messages to citizens on the occasion.

People across the country observed the day, and paid homage to the martyrs.

Colourful programmes were also organised to mark the day.

"Today, I am here to celebrate our Independence Day. Thirty-nine years back, we were liberated from Pakistan. We are feeling very happy and celebrating this day today on our free soil," said Lutfurn Nahar, a schoolgirl.

Bangladesh, formerly East Pakistan, was liberated from Pakistan after a nine-month war of independence on this day.

On March 26, 1971, Pakistan launched military attacks against Bangladeshi civilians, students and armed personnel who collectively demanded separation from West Pakistan.

The war continued for nine months and finally culminated in the country's independence on December 16, 1971, when Pakistan's Lt Gen Amir Abdullah Khan Niazi officially surrendered.

Approximately three million civilians were killed in the war. (ANI)