Lesson: Independence Day

A. Picture Discussion (Picture not provided)

Look at the picture and ask and answer the questions about it.

1. What can you see in the picture?
2. Where is it?
3. Why was it built?

B. Reading

Celebrating Freedom

March 26th, our Independence Day, is the biggest state festival. The day is celebrated every year in the country with great enthusiasm and fervor. It is a national holiday. All offices, educational institutions, shops, and factories remain closed on this day. The day begins with a 31-gun salute.

Early in the morning, the President and the Prime Minister, on behalf of the nation, place floral wreaths at the National Mausoleum at Savar. Then other leaders, political parties, diplomats, social and cultural organizations, educational institutions, and freedom fighters pay homage to the martyrs. People from all walks of life also go there in rallies and processions. There are many cultural programs throughout the day, highlighting the heroic struggle and sacrifice of 1971.

The country also witnesses a spectacular parade of defense forces, border guards, police, Ansars, and the VDP (Village Defense Party) at the National Parade Ground near the National Parliament. In Bangabandhu National Stadium, school children, scouts, and girl guides take part in various displays to entertain thousands of spectators. Educational institutions also organize their own programs. Sports meets and tournaments are also organized on the day, including the exciting boat race in the river Buriganga.

In the evening, all major public buildings are illuminated with colorful lights. Bangla Academy, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, and other socio-cultural organizations hold cultural functions. Similar functions are also arranged in other places in the country.

C. Vocabulary

Match the words with their meanings:

| Words | Meanings | |-------------|--------------------------------------------------------------| | fervor | a) acts of performing skills | | alike | b) to light up | | spectator | c) in a similar way | | displays | d) a strong feeling of excitement | | illuminate | e) a person who is watching an event |

D. Comprehension

Choose the best answer.

1. Our biggest state festival is

   • a) Victory Day.
   • b) Shaheed Dibosh.
   • c) Pahela Boishakh.
   • d) Independence Day.

2. The celebration of Independence Day begins with:

   • a) processions.
   • b) gun salute.
   • c) placing wreaths at the National Mausoleum.
   • d) parade by defense forces.

3. The National Mausoleum is:

   • a) on Dhaka University campus.
   • b) at Ramna Park.
   • c) at Savar.
   • d) near Dhaka Medical College.

4. On Independence Day, a National Parade is held:

   • a) at the National Parade Ground.
   • b) in the streets.
   • c) in decorated vehicles.
   • d) in Bangabandhu Stadium.

E. Writing

Write in brief about how you celebrated this year’s Independence Day at your school.