DHAKA: The 47th Victory Day of Bangladesh is being observed across the country Saturday (December 16) with due solemnity and rich tributes paid to the martyrs of the Liberation War of 1971.
The day commenced with a 31-gun salute followed by rich tributes of President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at National Mausoleum in Savar in the early hours.
President Abdul Hamid is also scheduled to attend the parade at the National Parade Square as chief guest and Premier Hasina as special guest.
The nation pays homage to the martyrs for their supreme sacrifice for freeing the country from the occupying forces of Pakistan in 1971.
After a nine-month-long war against Pakistan Army, the valiant sons of the soil liberated the country on December 16 in 1971.
The commander of Pakistan Army, General AAK Niazi and his 93,000 soldiers surrendered to the allied forces of freedom fighters and Indian army at Ramna Racecourse, now Suhrawardy Udyan, in Dhaka on this day.
Three million people sacrificed their lives while nearly half a million women their honour in those nine months of war of independence that broke out in March 25 of that year.
Different socio-political, educational and cultural institutions and organizations have chalked out programs to celebrate the day.
The government also has taken elaborate programs to celebrate the Day at the national level.
The day is a public holiday.
The national flag will be hoisted atop government, semi-government and private offices as well as offices of autonomous bodies across the country.
Important buildings and establishments would be illuminated at night. Important roads and road islands will be decorated with miniature national flags and colorful festoons.
National dailies and online news portals will bring out special supplements. The state-owned and private televisions and radios will air special programs on the day.
Special prayers will be offered in mosques, temples, pagodas and churches seeking salvation of the souls of the martyrs of Liberation War and peace, progress and prosperity of the country.
BDST: 0900 HRS, DEC 16, 2017
SI
