March 26, 1971: Bangladesh declares independence from Pakistan.

President Yahya Khan's refusal triggers liberation demand.

"Operation Searchlight": Pakistan Army's brutal genocide, March 25.

Nine-month liberation war ends on December 16, 1971.

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman leads Bangladesh's independence movement.

Independence Day marked with parades, speeches, ceremonial events.

Commemoration includes thirty-one gun salute tradition.