The nation is ready to celebrate Victory Day on Monday, a momentous occasion marking the birth of the country at the cost of the supreme sacrifice of three million martyrs and the honour of nearly half a million mothers and sisters, with a series of programmes.
On this glorious day in 1971, Bangladesh was liberated as an independent country after the Pakistani occupation forces surrendered following a bloody nine-month-long war.
Various programmes will be held on Monday to pay deep homage to the martyrs who laid down their lives for the country during the Liberation War in 1971.
Along with the government, different socio-political, educational and cultural institutions and organisations have chalked out a series of programmes to celebrate the day. Bangladeshis will celebrate the day at home and abroad.
The day’s programme will begin with a 31-gun salute.
President Md Sahabuddin and Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus will lay wreaths at the National Memorial in Savar.
Following that, under the leadership of the ministry's adviser, families of the country's highest war heroes, wounded freedom fighters, and other distinguished freedom fighters will also pay their tributes.
Foreign diplomats based in Bangladesh, along with political and social organisations, as well as the general public, will also lay wreaths in honour of the martyrs.
On this day, the national flag will be hoisted at all government, semi-government, autonomous, and private buildings, and important buildings and landmarks will be illuminated.
The main streets and roundabouts in Dhaka and other cities will be adorned with national flags.
Bangladesh embassies abroad will also undertake similar programs highlighting the significance of the day.
The day is a public holiday. National dailies will bring out special supplements on the occasion.
State-owned and private television channels and radios will broadcast month- long special programmes highlighting the significance of the Liberation War.
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On this occasion, various social and cultural organisations, including the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Bangla Academy, National Museum, Liberation War Museum, and Bangladesh Children's Academy, will organise discussions, cultural programmes, drawing competitions, essay writing contests, sports events, and screenings of Liberation War-related documentaries.
Victory fairs showcasing local and indigenous crafts will be organised in all districts and upazilas throughout the country.
Drawing competitions and cultural events based on the Liberation War will be held for children. Bangladesh embassies abroad will also organise programmes to highlight the significance of the day.
In the afternoon, the president will host a reception for the families of the Bir Shreshtho at Bangabhaban. In addition, receptions will be held for freedom fighters and the families of martyrs in the metropolitan areas, districts, and upazilas.
Religious institutions will arrange special prayers and services for the peace and progress of the country.
Special meals will be served at orphanages, old age homes, hospitals, jails, government children's homes, and similar institutions.
All children's parks and museums in the country will be open to the public without entry fees and Liberation War-based films will be screened at cinemas cost free.
The president and the chief adviser issued separate messages on the occasion.
In his message, President Mohammed Shahabuddin has greeted the country’s people living at home and abroad on the occasion of the Victory Day.
He recalled with profound respect the valiant freedom fighters who made supreme sacrifice in the War of Liberation for the cause of the country's Independence.
“I remember with gratitude the national leaders, the heroic freedom fighters, two lakhs oppressed women, the organizers and supporters of the Liberation War, foreign friends, war- wounded individuals and members of the martyrs' families including people of all walks of life who directly and indirectly contributed to our victory. I also remember those who accepted their martyrdom in various democratic movements along with anti-discrimination movement. The nation recalls their contributions with utmost respect.”
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Bangladesh believes in world peace and harmony. War is not desirable for any country. It believes that any crisis can peacefully be solved through dialogue, he said.
Mentioning that the expatriate Bangladeshis are making a significant contribution to the national economy by sending their hard-earned remittances to the country, the president said “We acknowledge their contribution with gratitude. I hope that during this global recession and economic crisis, our expatriates will continue to send foreign remittances and play a positive role in the country's development.”
“The political parties will have to nurture the culture of mutual respect and tolerance of others' opinion. Inspiring from the spirit and values of the anti-discrimination movement of 2024, let us contribute more from our respective positions to build a country free of corruption as well as to implement the goals of the Liberation War and establish a society free from exploitation,” he added.
In his message, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus said, “On December 16, 1971, we gained the taste of freedom and self-identity as a nation through the victory in the War of Independence. We get our desired freedom in exchange for the blood and sacrifice of millions of martyrs.”
Victory Day is not only our source of pride but also our oath day. The oath is to remain united, protect the sovereignty of the country, and hold the spirit of the Liberation War, he added.
He also urged them to work together to build a developed, prosperous, and well-governed Bangladesh by the interim government formed through the mass uprising of the students, workers and people.
“We are determined to further develop and strengthen our country and enjoy the full benefits of freedom,” said Dr Yunus.