Bangladesh celebrated Victory Day on Tuesday with great enthusiasm, as people across the country paid homage to the martyrs of the Liberation War through ceremonies, rallies, and cultural programmes.

The celebration began with the traditional 31-gun salute ringing out across the capital at the break of dawn, to honour the nation’s martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the Liberation War.

At the Old Airport area in Tejgaon, an artillery regiment of the Bangladesh Army fired 31 rounds from six guns to pay tribute to the heroic martyrs who laid down their lives in the War of Liberation.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus paid rich tributes to the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War by placing wreaths at the National Memorial here, on the outskirts of the capital with the rise of the sun. 

The Chief Justice, Advisers of the interim government, Chiefs of the three services, freedom fighters, diplomats, and senior civil and military officials, among others, were present on the occasion.

The Chief Adviser also enjoyed Victory Day Fly Past, Parajump, and Band Display at the National Parade Ground in Dhaka.

Bir Shrestha families, war-wounded freedom fighters and brave Freedom Fighters, under the leadership of the Liberation War Affairs Adviser, also paid their respects to the liberation war martyrs.

Besides, foreign diplomats in Bangladesh and various political and social organizations, including people from all walks of life, paid tributes to the martyrs who made supreme sacrifice during the great Liberation War. 

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam paid tribute to the martyred police members of the Liberation War on the occasion of the Victory Day at the Rajarbagh Police Lines memorial.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Director General Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui also paid homage to the martyrs of the Liberation War by placing a wreath at ‘Simanta Gaurab’ at the BGB Headquarters in Pilkhana, Dhaka.

At 6pm, Chief Adviser Prof Yunus addressed the nation on the occasion of the Great Victory Day.

State-owned Bangladesh Television (BTV), BTV News, and Bangladesh Betar simultaneously broadcast the speech.

In his speech, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus said no one can stop the country’s march towards democracy by intimidation, terror acts or bloodshed, categorically noting that such an attempt by the 'defeated fascist terrorists' will be completely thwarted.

On the occasion, various social and cultural organizations including Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Bangla Academy, National Museum, Liberation War Museum and Bangladesh Shishu Academy organised Liberation War-based discussions, cultural programmes, children's painting, writing and sports competitions, and screenings of Liberation War-based documentaries.

Bangladesh embassies abroad also arranged similar programmes highlighting the significance of the day.

Educational institutions across the country including Dhaka and Jahangirnagar Universities celebrated the Great Victory Day through a series of events.

Dhaka University observed the great victory day with day-long activities across the campus.

The programs included the hoisting of the national flag at dawn at the Vice-Chancellor’s Building and other important university buildings, a gathering at the Smriti Chirantan premises, and the laying of wreaths at the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar by teachers, students, officers, and staff of the university under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan.

Victory Day celebrations around the country

Along with the capital, Victory Day was celebrated in the districts as the country was liberated from the Pakistani occupation forces on this day 54 years back through a nine-month-long bloody War of Liberation.

In Khulna, the day began with 31 gun salutes at the Bayra Metropolitan Police Line. Tributes were paid at Gallamari Shaheed Memorial. Government and private offices, schools, and streets were decorated with national flags. Programs included flag hoisting at Khulna District Stadium, discussion sessions, exhibitions on the Liberation War and July uprising, cultural performances in city parks, and sports events such as T20 cricket, football, and boat races. The naval ships at BWTA Rocket Ghat were open for public viewing.

Jhenaidah observed Victory Day with tributes, rallies, and programs at the Birshrestha Hamidur Rahman Stadium. Day-long events included cultural shows, honor ceremonies for war heroes, and exhibitions. Political parties also held separate rallies.

In Mymensingh, 31 gun salutes marked the start of celebrations at the Patgudam Bridge Shaheed Memorial. Wreaths were placed at various memorials. The district stadium hosted flag hoisting, student performances, discussions, exhibitions, and awards for cultural competitions.

In Chandpur, public and officials paid tribute at the Muktijoddha Street and Railway Lake memorial. Wreaths were placed by district and police officials, war veterans, and various organizations. Flag hoisting, parades, and physical displays were held at Chandpur Stadium, along with three-day Victory Mela at Hasan Ali Government High School ground.

In Barishal, events started with 31 gun salutes. Tributes were paid at Shaheed Memorials by government, social, and political organizations. Jamaat-e-Islami held a rally in the city. Programs included discussion sessions, fairs, sports competitions, and cultural events.

In Kishoreganj, the day began with 31 gun salutes and flag hoisting at government and private offices. Wreaths were laid at memorials, and students participated in parades, displays, and cultural competitions.

In Cumilla, tributes and floral offerings were made at central Shaheed Minar. The district stadium hosted parades and displays by students. Exhibitions, competitions, and cultural programs were organized throughout the city.

In Naogaon, residents paid respects at the Shaheed Muktijoddha Memorial at Mukti Mor. The district stadium featured parades, displays, and a Victory Mela. War heroes and their families were honored in official ceremonies.

In Magura, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Andolan organized colorful rallies. The Jamaat rally started at 10:00 a.m., moving through main city roads before concluding at Chourangi Mor. 

Later, Islami Andolan held a massive Victory Day rally along the city’s main streets.

Victory Day activities combined solemn tributes with public participation, cultural displays, sports events, and educational programs to celebrate Bangladesh’s independence and honor its war heroes.