Bangladeshis are paying respects to the millions of people who sacrificed their lives for independence
The nation is celebrating the 47th Victory Day, marking Bangladesh’s emergence as an independent country after a bloody nine-month war against the Pakistan occupation forces.
Bangladeshis are marking the day with various programmes and paying respects to the millions of people who sacrificed their lives and honour for the cause of an independent country after over two decades of West Pakistani rule.
The Liberation War ended on this day in 1971 when Pakistani Army Commander Lt Gen Amir Abdullah Khan Niazi and 93,000 troops surrendered to Lt Gen Jagjit Singh Aurora, commander of the joint forces of the Indian military and the Mukti Bahini.
The Pakistan Army surrendered at Ramna Race Course in Dhaka, the site of the public speech by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on March 7, 1971, that inspired millions of Bangalis to take up arms and start the fight for freedom.
Unesco’s recognition of Bangabandhu’s March 7 speech as part of the world’s documentary heritage and including it in the Memory of the World International Register has made this year’s celebrations more special.
In separate messages, President Md Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia paid homage to the valiant freedom fighters who made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.
The celebrations began on Saturday through a 31-gun salute at the National Parade Ground at dawn.
Around the same time, the president and prime minister paid tributes at the National Memorial at Savar.
Programmes
The government has chalked out elaborate programmes to celebrate the day.
A colorful parade will be held at the National Parade Square with the participation of armed forces. The president will take the salute as chief guest. The prime minister will also be present there.
National flags will be raised atop all government, semi-government and non-government buildings.
Receptions will be hosted for freedom fighters and families of martyrs at city, district and upazila levels. Special prayers will be offered at places of worship seeking peace, progress and prosperity.
Special menus will also be served in all jails, hospitals, orphanages and vagrant homes. Destitute children will be allowed to visit children’s parks and other recreational centres, free-of-cost.
Bangladeshi missions abroad will also observe the day through different programs.
Awami League observing Victory Day
The Awami League and its allies have chalked out a three-day programme to celebrate Victory Day.
The national flag will be hoisted atop the ruling party’s offices across the country, while processions, discussions and cultural programmes will be held.
The party will pay tribute to the Liberation War martyrs at the National Memorial at dawn and pay respect to Bangabandhu at his mural at the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi 32 in the morning.
Leaders of the Awami League-led 14-party alliance will also pay homage to Bangabandhu by placing wreaths at his grave in Tungipara.
The BNP, Jatiya Party and other political parties will also observe the day through various programs.
National dailies will bring out special supplements.
The state-owned and private televisions and radios will broadcast month-long special programmes highlighting the Liberation War. Different organizations will organize discussion and display Liberation War-related documentary.
