Dhaka, March 26 -- Today, Bangladesh stands ready to commemorate its 54th Independence and National Day in a manner befitting the sacrifices and struggles of its people.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina are scheduled to deliver separate messages this afternoon, setting the tone for the day's events.

The celebrations will kick off with the reverberating sound of gun salutes early in the morning, paying homage to the indomitable spirit of the nation that endured years of foreign rule until achieving independence in 1971.

Around the country, the national flag will be hoisted atop government, semi-government, autonomous, and private buildings at sunrise, while streets and intersections will be adorned with na...