After more than one and a half decades, the National Parade Ground witnessed a spectacular parade by the combined forces on Independence Day, with President Mohammed Shahabuddin receiving salutes from the ceremonial stage.

The President arrived at the Parade Ground in a well-decorated military police motorcade around 10:00am and was welcomed by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan, State Minister Ishrak Hossain, Army Chief General Wakar-uz-Zaman, Navy Chief Admiral Mohammad Nazmul Hasan, and Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmud Khan.

After the national anthem was played, a guard of honour was presented to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Mohammed Shahabuddin, as a mark of respect.

The President, accompanied by Major General SM Asadul Haque, the parade commander and General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 9th Infantry Division and Area Commander of Savar, inspected the parade from an open jeep and took the salute.

Muktijuddha Sangsad, Bangladesh Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, Coast Guard, Ansar and VDP, paramilitary Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Bangladesh National Cadet Corps (BNCC), Bangladesh Jail, and combined female contingents participated in the parade.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman also witnessed the flag-bearing skydive, armoury displays of different regiments and contingents, and spectacular fly-pasts and aerobatic displays.

At 10,000 feet, 26 paratroopers descended onto the Parade Ground carrying the national and service flags.

Army Aviation aircraft, helicopters from the Navy, Border Guard and RAB Air Wings, and Air Force aircraft performed formation flights and aerial demonstrations.

The Air Force’s aerobatic show was a major highlight, featuring fighter and training aircraft performing low-level flying, precision formations, and colourful displays. Five F-7 fighter jets circled the Parade Ground, followed by a MiG-29 performing a “flying salute” to the President, aerial turns, low-level passes, and a final “victory roll” disappearing into the clouds — marking the grand finale.

The parade concluded at 11:59am.

President Shahabuddin shook hands with officers who led the displays.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman also exchanged greetings with the President before his convoy left the ground at 12:06pm.

The Prime Minister’s daughter, Zaima Rahman, attended and enjoyed the event alongside him.

The Prime Minister had arrived at the parade ground around 9:55am and was welcomed by the ministers and the chiefs of the three services.

Cabinet members, senior government officials, and local and foreign dignitaries were also present.

Earlier, on his arrival , the Prime Minister was escorted by a ceremonial military police motorcade while advancing towards the saluting dais.

This year’s Independence Day parade marked the first full-scale celebration since 2008, after an 18-year hiatus.

Preparations for the event began early during Ramadan, with a final rehearsal held on Tuesday.