Saiful Islam Talukder, Dubai (UAE): The Bangladesh Consulate General in Dubai celebrated the Independence and National Day-2026 with due dignity and enthusiasm. Consul General Mohammad Rasheduzzaman officially inaugurated the day's program by hoisting the national flag at the consulate premises early on Thursday (March 26). After that, special prayers and supplications were held for the welfare of the country and the nation, seeking forgiveness for the souls of the martyrs of the great war of independence. A discussion meeting was organized in the auditorium of the consulate on the occasion of the day. During this, messages sent by His Excellency the President, Honorable Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs were read out. After the reading of the messages, a documentary made on Independence Day was screened. Leaders of the Bangladeshi community living in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, representatives of various social and professional organizations spoke at the discussion meeting. The speakers remembered the martyrs of the great war of independence with deep respect and called on the government to take more effective steps for the welfare of the expatriates. In his speech as the president, Consul General Mohammad Rasheduzzaman paid deep respect to the proclaimer of independence, martyr President Ziaur Rahman, and all the martyrs and brave freedom fighters who sacrificed themselves in the liberation war. He highlighted the significance of the great Independence Day and mentioned the various plans taken by the government for the welfare of the expatriates. He also called on all expatriates, regardless of party affiliation, to work together for the overall development and welfare of the country. The program was moderated by Counselor (Labor) and Head of Embassy Md. Abdus Salam. A large number of expatriate Bangladeshis living in Dubai and the Northern Emirates were present at the program. The participants believe that this arrangement has further strengthened the spirit of independence and national unity of Bangladesh in the diaspora.