President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Thursday attended the Independence and National Day parade at the National Parade Ground in Dhaka and took the salute, with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman also in attendance.

The parade marked the country’s 56th Independence and National Day.

Shahabuddin, riding in an open jeep, reviewed the contingents. Major General SM Asadul Haque, the parade commander who also serves as General Officer Commanding of the 9th Infantry Division and area commander of Savar, accompanied him.

Muktijuddha Sangsad, the Bangladesh Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, Coast Guard, Ansar and VDP, paramilitary Border Guard Bangladesh, Bangladesh National Cadet Corps, Bangladesh Jail and combined female contingents took part.

President Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Rahman watched a flag-bearing skydive, armoury acquisitions by regiments and armed forces contingents, a fly-past and an aerobatic display. The prime minister’s daughter, Barrister Zaima Rahman, also attended.

Before leaving the ground, the president and prime minister exchanged pleasantries with the contingent commanders.

The prime minister arrived at the parade ground at 9.57 am. A ceremonial military police motorcade escorted him as he advanced towards the saluting dais.

Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan, State Minister Ishraque Hossain, the prime minister’s defence adviser Brigadier General (retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam, the chiefs of the three services, the principal staff officer of the Armed Forces Division and the liberation war affairs secretary received him.

The premier then joined other officials to receive the president on the parade ground.

March 26 marks the start of the nine‑month war that led to independence on December 16, 1971.