Bangladesh High Commission, Canberra has celebrated the 51st anniversary of the Victory Day through a day-long program with due solemnity and festivity. Celebration on December 16 commenced with the hoisting of the national flag by the High Commissioner in the morning at the Chancery premise in presence of the High Commission officials and members of the community. Afterwards, a special prayer was offered for eternal peace of the departed souls of the Father of the Nation, and martyrs of the Liberation War and also for the continued peace and prosperity of Bangladesh. Messages of the President and Prime Minister of Bangladesh as well as Foreign Minister and State Minister for Foreign Affairs were read out. Also read: Bangladesh Embassy in South Korea celebrates Victory Day Speaking at the programs, High Commissioner M Allama Siddiki paid rich tributes to the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as well as to all martyrs, freedom fighters and women for their sacrifices during the Liberation War. Referring to Bangladesh genocide (1971) as one of the worst in the world, he said that the Pakistani military had tortured and killed general people in the most brutal way possible. He praised the continued developmental journey of Bangladesh and expressed satisfaction that Bangladesh has been leading in many socio economic sectors in South Asia. The High Commissioner said that the Bengali identity has been formed in thousand years and it was perfected by the visionary leadership of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman through conceiving an independent Bangladesh and realising it. He termed the Liberation War as a People's War and remembered all the common people with gratitude who contributed to this war. In the evening programme, the High Commission hosted a colourful cultural programme of recitation, songs and dance at the Chancery. The recitation and song renditions by the local cultural groups Kabbo Kothon and Spondon enthralled the audience. An array of Bangladeshi patriotic poems, folk songs and dance attracted the audience and made the event colourful and festive. The program was attended by 200 guests.