Independence Day ceremonies scrapped

Bangladesh on Saturday scrapped the Independence Day ceremonies slated to be observed on March 26 after a meeting of president Md Abdul Hamid with prime minister Sheikh Hasina at Bangabhaban.

‘The meeting decided to cancel all the major Inde pendence Day ceremonies in view of the COVID-19 outbreak across the world,’ reported Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha quoting president’s press secretary Joynal Abedin.

He said offering of wreaths at the National Memorial on March 26 as part of the state and social ritual, civic reception at Bangabhaban and distribution of Independence Day medals were the ceremonies which would not be held this year.

He said the coronavirus situation and the country’s preparedness in combating the pandemic dominated the head of the state’s hour-long meeting with the prime minister.

‘Both of them urged the countrymen to be cautious instead of getting panicked,’ Joynal said.

Besides, the two-day special session of the parliament on the Mujib Year has been suspended due to the coronavirus fear.

The special session marking the birth centenary of the country’s founding president Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was suspended by the president for public interest, a parliament secretariat press release said.

President M Abdul Hamid was scheduled to deliver his speech in the parliament on Sheikh Mujib in the special session, which could be the seventh session of the 11th parliament.

Earlier on March 11, the special session of the Jatiya Sangsad was called for today and Monday.

News Courtesy: www.newagebd.net