Special programmes planned nationwide; BNP to hold rallies, discussions and commemorative events The country is observing National Revolution and Solidarity Day today (November 7), marking the 51st anniversary of the historic events of November 7, 1975, with a series of government and political programmes across the country. The day is being observed as a public holiday, with the government drawing up an elaborate programme to commemorate the occasion. President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman issued separate messages on the eve of the day, highlighting its historical significance. Under the government programme, the national flag is being hoisted atop government, semi-government, autonomous and private buildings, as well as educational institutions across the country and Bangladesh missions abroad. Major roads and road islands are also being decorated with national flags. Discussions at district and upazila levels, children's drawing competitions and special cultural programmes are among the key events planned to mark the occasion. State-run television and radio channels, along with private broadcasters, are airing special programmes highlighting the events of November 7, 1975. The Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy is also organising cultural events, while the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has taken initiatives to publish special articles and literary supplements in national newspapers. The Armed Forces have arranged special programmes, including a colourful display at the Army Stadium in Dhaka. Another commemorative display will be staged under the supervision of the Bangladesh Cadet Corps. Special prayers and munajat are being held at mosques across the country, seeking peace, prosperity and continued progress for the nation. Similar prayers are also being organised at temples, churches, pagodas and other places of worship. The government has also arranged improved meals for inmates and residents of hospitals, prisons, orphanages, child centres, Shishu Paribars, Shishu Sadans, juvenile correction centres, Shanti Nibash facilities and institutions for homeless people. Children will be able to visit public children's parks free of charge throughout the day under the management of city corporations and municipalities. Educational institutions are also organising special discussions and essay competitions. Documentary films on the historic events are being screened at cinema halls and through mobile vans. Football matches are also being organised at district headquarters and upazilas. A special commemorative discussion will bring together families of martyred freedom fighters, war-wounded freedom fighters and valiant freedom fighters to honour their contributions and reflect on the country's history. In a special gesture for commuters, the Dhaka Elevated Expressway is being kept toll-free for all vehicles from 6:00am to 12:00 noon today. Meanwhile, the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has undertaken a seven-day programme from November 5 to 11 to observe the occasion. As part of the programme, national and party flags are being hoisted at 6:00am today at the BNP central office in Nayapaltan and party offices across the country. At 11:00am, BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, accompanied by national leaders and party activists, is scheduled to place wreaths at the graves of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. The party is also scheduled to bring out a colourful rally from in front of its central office in Nayapaltan at 3:00pm. District and metropolitan-level rallies are being organised across the country today, while rallies at thana and upazila levels are scheduled for November 8. The BNP and its affiliated organisations have also planned a series of discussion meetings and other activities to mark the day. Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal held a discussion meeting on November 5, while Jubo Dal is scheduled to organise one on November 10. Krishak Dal will hold a discussion meeting at 11:00am on November 9, followed by a discussion and cultural programme organised by JASAS at 3:00pm the same day. Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal is organising a photography exhibition on the Dhaka University campus at 11:00am today, followed by a discussion meeting on November 8. Olama Dal will distribute educational materials among orphan students. The BNP has called upon its leaders and activists at all levels to work together to ensure the successful implementation of the programmes.  The observance comes as the nation reflects on the political significance of November 7, 1975, a landmark episode in Bangladesh's post-independence history. The day provides an opportunity to revisit the country's political journey, remember those who played roles during that turbulent period and strengthen the spirit of national unity, solidarity and democratic values.