The day to celebrate Bangladesh’s victory over Pakistan after nine months of bloodshed during the Liberation War has returned.
After over two decades of West Pakistani rule, Bengalis in then East Pakistan won a bloody war to carve out an independent state on this day in 1971.
The nation is celebrating the 48th Victory Day on Sunday with elaborate programmes to pay deep homage to the martyrs who laid down their lives for the country.
President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages on the eve of the day.
In his message, the President said, “The 11th parliamentary election is being held in December, the month of our victory. In democratic system, people exercise their power and choose their desired candidate through the election.”
He expressed the hope that people will elect honest, capable and patriotic candidates in the upcoming election and continue the development and advancement of the country. “Let the glory of democracy be strengthened through festive mood of election,” said Hamid.
In her message, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, “Bangladesh has become a role model of development in the world. Our government is taking the country forward with immense development in all sectors, including economy, agriculture, education, health, transport, information and technology, infrastructure, power generation, rural economy and diplomatic relations and cooperation during the last 10 years.”
The war, which raged on for nine months after the declaration of independence by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, ended with the Pakistan Army’s surrender at Ramna Race Course grounds, now Suhrawardy Udyan, on Dec 16, 1971.
Lt Gen Amir Abdullah Khan Niyazi, the martial law administrator of the then East Pakistan, signed the official document of surrender sitting next to Lt Gen Jagjit Singh Aurora, the joint commander of Indian forces and the Mukti Bahini of Bangladesh.
The Victory Day programme began in Dhaka’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar with a 31-gun salute at the National Parade Square.
Soon after sunrise the president and the prime minister paid their respects to the martyrs of the Liberation War at the National Memorial at Savar.
The National Memorial was opened to the public after the VIPs had paid their respects. Freedom fighters, political parties, organisations and the general public soon filled the memorial with wreaths and flowers.
However, there will be no parade at the National Parade Ground this year due to the national election.
Besides, different socio-cultural and professional bodies and institutions, including Bangla Academy, Shilpakala Academy, National Museum, Muktujoddha Jadughar and Bangladesh Shishu Academy, are observing the day with elaborate programmes.
The national flag has been hoisted atop government, semi-government and private offices as well as offices of autonomous bodies across the country.
Important buildings and establishments will be illuminated at night. Important roads and road islands have been decorated with miniature national flags and colourful festoons.
National dailies have brought out out special supplements.
The state-owned and private televisions and radios are airing month-long special programmes highlighting the Liberation War.
Special prayers will be offered in mosques and other places of worship, seeking salvation of the souls of martyrs of the Liberation War and peace, progress and prosperity of the country.
Improved diets will be served in jails, hospitals, orphanages and vagrant homes across the country.
Destitute children will be allowed to visit children’s parks and other recreational centres across the country free-of-cost.
Bangladesh missions abroad will also celebrate the day through different programmes.