Nation prepares to celebrate

The nation is set to celebrate Independence Day today in a befitting manner.

The government has taken elaborate programmes on the occasion.

The programmes will begin by heralding gun salutes early in the morning, as a mark of profound respect to the nation's heroic struggle for independence in 1971.

The national flag will be hoisted atop all government, semi-government, autonomous and private buildings.

The National Memorial at Savar will be the main venue of celebration, where President Md Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will place wreaths early in the morning.

People from all walks of life, including families of freedom fighters and families of the martyrs, members of diplomatic corps, political leaders, will also pay their respects to the martyrs.