Independence Day in Bangladesh

Independence Day, Shadhinota Dibosh, remembers the night of 25 to 26 March 1971, when independence was declared and the Liberation War began. It is a national holiday of tributes and celebrations.

Updated 21 October 2026.

Date

Independence Day is always on 26 March. In 2027 it falls on a Friday, after Ramadan and Eid.

How Independence Day 2026 was marked

On 26 March 2026 the President and Prime Minister laid wreaths at the National Martyrs’ Memorial at dawn after a 31-gun salute. At 9am the armed forces held a parade and flypast at the National Parade Square in Tejgaon, the first Independence Day parade since 2008. Museums were free and navy ships were open to visitors. There was no decorative lighting, to save energy.

Visiting the memorial

The National Martyrs’ Memorial (Jatiyo Smriti Soudho) at Savar is about 35 km north-west of central Dhaka on the Dhaka–Aricha highway: one to two hours by car, or a bus from Gabtoli.

Tips for visiting

• Entry to the parade is by invitation; watch it on television.
• Dress modestly at the memorial, a solemn place.
• Add the Liberation War Museum in Agargaon.
• Expect heat in late March.

Visiting with us

We can plan a day around the memorial and the Liberation War Museum with a guide. Plan your trip.

Independence Day FAQs