DHAKA: The nation celebrated the 47th Victory Day across the country on Saturday (December 16) amid festivity and paying homage to the martyrs of the Bangladesh War of Liberation in 1971.

The nation in the whole day paid respects to the millions of people who sacrificed their lives for the independence in Dhaka and other parts of the country.

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina placed wreaths at the National Memorial in Savar in the morning to pay tributes to the martyred freedom fighters.

The day commenced with a 31-gun salute in presence of the President and the PM.

As part of the day's programs, a colorful parade was held at the National Parade Square in the city’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar.

President Abdul Hamid took salute and inspected the parade as the chief guest. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, freedom fighters and top officials of the armed forces and law enforcement agencies were present there.

Different socio-political, educational and cultural institutions and organizations chalked out programs to celebrate the day. The government also has taken elaborate programs to celebrate the Day at the national level.

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 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.

The Suhrawardy Udyan is also famous for the public speech delivered by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman which delivered on March 7 in 1971. The speech had inspired millions of Bangalees 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.

The day was a public holiday.

The national flag was hoisted atop government, semi-government and private offices as well as offices of autonomous bodies across the country.

Important buildings and establishments were illuminated at night. Important roads and road islands were decorated with miniature national flags and colorful festoons.

Special prayers were 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.

Bangladeshi missions abroad also observed the day through different programs.

BDST: 2110 HRS, DEC 16, 2017
EHJ