Spectacular combined forces parade marks Independence Day
Following the national anthem, a guard of honour was presented to the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, President Mohammed Shahabuddin, as a mark of respect
After more than a decade and a half, the National Parade Ground witnessed a spectacular combined forces parade on Independence Day, with President Mohammed Shahabuddin receiving salutes from the ceremonial stage.
The president arrived around 10am in a well-decorated military police motorcade and was welcomed by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan, State Minister Ishraque Hossain, Army Chief General Wakar-uz-Zaman, Navy Chief Admiral Mohammad Nazmul Hasan, and Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmud Khan.
Following the national anthem, a guard of honour was presented to the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, President Mohammed Shahabuddin, as a mark of respect.
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Accompanied by Major General SM Asadul Haque, the parade commander and General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 9th Infantry Division and Area Commander of Savar, the president inspected the parade from an open jeep and took the salute.
Participants included Muktijuddha Sangsad, Bangladesh Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, Coast Guard, Ansar and VDP, paramilitary Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Bangladesh National Cadet Corps (BNCC), Bangladesh Jail, and combined female contingents.
The president and prime minister also witnessed a flag-bearing skydive, armoury displays by different regiments, and spectacular fly-pasts and aerobatic demonstrations.
At 10,000 feet, 26 paratroopers descended onto the Parade Ground carrying national and service flags.
Army Aviation aircraft, helicopters from the Navy, Border Guard, and RAB Air Wings, and Air Force aircraft performed formation flights and aerial demonstrations.
The Air Force aerobatic display was a highlight, featuring fighter and training aircraft performing low-level flying, precision formations, and colourful displays.
Five F-7 fighter jets circled the Parade Ground, followed by a MiG-29 executing a "flying salute" to the president, aerial turns, low-level passes, and a final "victory roll" into the clouds, marking the grand finale.
The parade concluded at 11:59am. President Shahabuddin shook hands with the officers who led the displays, while Prime Minister Tarique Rahman exchanged greetings with the president before his convoy departed at 12:06pm.
The Prime Minister's daughter, Zaima Rahman, also attended and enjoyed the event alongside him.
The prime minister arrived at the parade ground around 9:55am, escorted by a ceremonial military police motorcade, and was received by ministers and the chiefs of the three services.
Cabinet members, senior government officials, and local and foreign dignitaries were also present.
This year's Independence Day parade marked the first full-scale celebration since 2008, ending an 18-year hiatus.
Preparations began early during Ramadan, with a final rehearsal held today (26 March).
