President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina led the nation in paying tributes to the gallant souls of the soil, who sacrificed themselves for the country’s independence.
They placed wreaths separately at the National Memorial in Savar at sunrise on Sunday and stood in solemn silence as a mark of respect to the memories of the martyrs.
Sheikh Hasina also paid respects to Bangladesh’s founding father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who led the country and its people to independence. She placed a wreath at the portrait of the independence hero and stood silently for some time in front of the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi.
Hasina, also the ruling Awami League president, placed another wreath as the party chief.
Bangalees united under the leadership of Bangabandhu and fought the occupation forces and their local collaborators with everything they had. Bangladesh was finally born through the sacrifice of three million lives and the honour of 200,000 women.
Celebrating Victory Day
There was no parade at the National Parade Ground this year as the country is preparing for its next national election scheduled for December 30.
But various socio-cultural and professional bodies and institutions, including Bangla Academy, Shilpakala Academy, National Museum, Muktijuddho Jadughar and Bangladesh Shishu Academy are marking the day with elaborate programmes.
The day is a public holiday.
The national flag has been hoisted atop government, semi-government, autonomous and private offices across the country. Important buildings and establishments will be illuminated at night.
State-owned and private television channels and radios are airing month-long special programmes highlighting the Liberation War. National dailies brought out special supplements on the occasion.
Receptions have been hosted for freedom fighters and families of the martyrs at city, district and upazila levels. Special prayers have been offered in mosques and other places of worship.
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 with different programmes.