Victory Day
Thousands of Dublar Char fishermen take oath together with PM on Victory Day
On the occasion of the Victory Day more than 5,000 fishermen living in the estuary of Bay of Bengal at Dublar Char took part in the oath to the nation led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
On Thursday afternoon, thousands of people from different walks of life in Bagerhat district gathered at Sheikh Helal Uddin Stadium to recite the oath with PM virtually.
Bagerhat District Commissioner Mohammad Azizur Rahman and Muhammad Belayet Hossain, divisional forest officer (DFO-East) of Sundarbans confirmed the fishermen spontaneously participated in taking the oath to build the country as a developed, prosperous and non-communal ‘Sonar Bangla’.
Also read: Victory Day celebrated with a vow to build prosperous ‘Sonar Bangla’
The PM conducted the nationwide oath at 4:30pm from the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad, which was broadcast live through Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar and other private TV channels.
People from the country’s eight divisional cities and different grassroots took the oath. Bangabandhu’s youngest daughter, Sheikh Rehana, was present.
Also read: Will build Bangladesh as prosperous ‘Sonar Bangla’, nation renews vow
ULAB observes Martyred Intellectuals Day and Victory Day
The University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) held two virtual events, one on December 14 in remembrance of martyred intellectuals of Bangladesh, and on December 16, celebrating 50 years of victory on the Victory Day.
Akku Chowdhury, valiant freedom fighter and a founding trustee member of the Liberation War Museum, was the keynote speaker at the Victory Day event.
"We fought to ensure the freedom of all citizens, irrespective of their race, religion and gender. It is time for us to reflect whether we have truly been able to establish that freedom today. During the war, our weapon we fought with guns, but today the weapon for moving forward is technology," Akku said.
Also read: UN lauds Bangladesh’s massive successes as it celebrates Victory Day
He added, “We have to stand out in the modern world by utilizing the benefits of Digital Bangladesh that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has given to you all.”
In his introductory speech, ULAB’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Imran Rahman highlighted the country's achievements in the 50th year of the great victory.
"We have built a prosperous country in the last fifty years. The task of bringing the country to the peak of prosperity in the next fifty years must be done by the youth of our society," he said.
ULAB’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Shamsad Mortuza, said “At the time of independence, about 80 per cent of the people of Bangladesh were below the poverty line. Today that has completely changed. Eighty per cent of the population now live above the poverty line. But we cannot avoid our responsibility to the remaining 20 percent of people who still live below the poverty line.”
On December 14, Dr Md Fazle Rabbi and Dr Jahanara Rabbi's daughter, Dr Nusrat Rabbi was the keynote speaker of the program 'Remembering Martyred Intellectuals, The Spirit of 1971: A Discussion'.
ULAB Board of Trustees member Ms. Ameena Ahmed, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Imran Rahman, and Pro-Vice-Chancellor professor Shamsad Mortuza spoke on the occasion.
Also read: Bangladesh set to celebrate 51st Victory Day Thursday
In their speeches, they all highlighted the irreparable loss the country has had, due to the killings of the intellectuals. They all thanked Dr Nusrat Rabbi for her presenting her father’s story through her book for the entire country to know and appreciate.
Dr Nusrat Rabbi reflected on the ultimate "Sacrifices and strides made by the relentless champions of the first few decades of the nation and the martyrs for the cause of Bangladesh" with reference to her book, "The Spirit of 1971: A Memoir."
Both the events were attended by ULAB’s Treasurer, the Registrar, Deans, Department Heads, faculty members, officials, and students of ULAB.
Working to change the fate of people, reaffirms PM
Delivering the vision of reshaping Bangladesh, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday promised to bring smiles to the faces of the distressed people as dreamt by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
“The Father of the Nation wanted to bring smiles to the faces of the unhappy people. That’s our goal, too,” she said while chairing the celebration of the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation and the Golden Jubilee of the Victory at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad.
President Md Abdul Hamid also spoke at the function as the chief guest, while Indian President Ram Nath Kovind as the guest of honour.
Also read: PM pays tributes to Liberation War martyrs
The National Implementation Committee for Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's Birth Centenary Celebration arranged the event with the title of “The Greatest Hero of the Great Victory.”
Nation building is everyone's responsibility, says President Hamid
President Abdul Hamid on Thursday said responsibilty for developing the country does not lie only with the political leadership.
"The development of the country and the people is not the sole responsibility of the political leadership. As citizens of an independent country, this is the responsibility and duty of all of us," he said.
He made the remarks at the inaugural ceremony of a two-day special programme on the theme ‘The Greatest Hero of the Glorious Victory’ as a mark of respect to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
The National Implementation Committee for the celebration of the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman oragsnised the programme on the Golden Jubilee of the Victory.
Also read: Bullets couldn’t wipe out Bangabandhu’s ideals: Kovind
Hamid delivered his speech as the chief guest in the programme while Indian President Ram Nath Kovind was present as the Guest of Honour at the the South Plaza of Bangladesh National Parliament in the evening.
Goal of independence not materealised yet: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday alleged that the goal of the country’s independence has not been materealised yet.
“The spirit of independence was to establish a democratic state and a democratic society. The goal that led to the Liberation War has not been materialised even though 50 years have elapsed,” he said.
The BNP leader alleged that the current “authoritarian and “autocratic” Awami League government is eliminating the opposition to establish a one-party rule in the country.
He came up with the remarks while talking to reporters after paying homage to the heroic martyrs of the Liberation War by placing wreaths at the National Memorial in Savar together with their party’s leaders and activists, marking the 51st Victory Day.
Also read: Khaleda’s condition worsens again in hospital: Fakhrul
Fakhrul alleged that their party chairperson was convicted and jailed in ‘false’ cases. “She has now been fighting for life at a hospital with critical diseases.”
He said they have taken a vow on this victory day to ‘restore’ democracy in the country by uniting the people of the country.
Later, the BNP secretary general along with the party senior leaders went to the grave of their party founder Ziaur Rahman at Shre-e-Bangla Nagar in the capital.
They also paid homage to Zia by placing a wreath at his grave on the occasion of the 51st Victory Day.
Later, talking to reporters, Fakhrul said the nation has lost everything it achieved after the Liberation War.
“We’ve lost the democracy that we restored through the mass uprising in the 90s under the leadership of Begum Khaleda Zia. We also developed a system of holding the election under a neutral government. It’s unfortunate that it was revoked,” he said.
He said people now cannot exercise their right to franchise as the election system has been destroyed. “The people of the country can’t vote now. Poverty has increased while people have become from poor to poorer. A group of people backed by the ruling party has become rich,” the BNP leader said.
Also read: Sending Khaleda abroad essential for peace, stability: Fakhrul
He described the US sanctions on seven current and former officials of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and on the allegation of violating human rights as a major embarrassment in the 50 years history of the country.
"We think this is the biggest shame for Bangladesh as sanctions have been imposed on the officials of a state institution and it has been exposed to the world that we’re a state devoid of democracy. It’s unfortunate this situation has been created in Bangladesh today because of those who’re now in power,” the BNP leader.
BNP standing committee members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, chairperson's advisory council members Aman Ullah Aman, Abdus Salam, Abul Khair Bhuiyan, senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, joint secretaries general Mahbubuddin Khokon and Khairul Kabir Khokon were, among others, present.
The party and its different units and associate bodies across the country also celebrated Victory Day through various programmes.
BNP also hoisted the party and national flag atop of its central office in Nayapaltan and in the district and divisional unit offices.
Bangladesh flags flutter proudly at iconic Commonwealth Bridge in Canberra
The 50th anniversary of Victory Day was celebrated in Canberra beside the iconic Commonwealth Bridge on Thursday.
Thirty-two flag poles on both sides of the Bridge were decorated with the national flags of Bangladesh and a specially designed banner on the celebration of golden jubilee.
The flags and banners will be on display for seven days.
Also read: Bullets couldn’t wipe out Bangabandhu’s ideals: Kovind
The morning event organised beside an open park next to the Commonwealth Bridge and was attended by hundreds of members from the Bangladeshi expatriates.
Will build Bangladesh as prosperous ‘Sonar Bangla’, nation renews vow
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday administered oath to the nation to build the country as a developed, prosperous and non-communal ‘Sonar Bangla’ being imbued with the ideology of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
“On the occasion of the Golden Jubilee (of the Independence) and the Victory Day in the Mujib Year, I take oath in glowing voice that I will not let the blood of the martyrs go in vain, I will love the country, I will use all my strength for the overall welfare of the people of the country,” she said in the oath words, urging the people of the country to join her vow afresh.
The Prime Minister conducted the nationwide oath at 4:30pm from the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad, which was broadcast live through Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar and other private TV channels.
Also read: PM pays tributes to Liberation War martyrs
People from the country’s eight divisional cities and different grassroots places took the oath together with the Prime Minister. Bangabandhu’s younger daughter, Sheikh Rehana, was present.
Victory Day programmes: DMP commissioner stresses onus on security
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Md Shafiqul Islam has said no one in the capital will be exempted from security checks during the programmes organised around the golden jubilee of Victory Day in the next few days.
The programmes will also commemorate 50 years of independent Bangladesh and the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Emphasising security, the DMP commissioner said that in case of any suspicion, every person and vehicle would be properly searched. “No one will be exempted on the question of security,” he said.
The DMP commissioner was addressing a security briefing at Rajarbagh Police Lines.
The top officer of the DMP said it’s not every day that such an important duty falls on their shoulders.
READ: DMP asks HSC examinees to leave home early for exams Wednesday
“If you have to do something above 100 percent, you have to do it. It is a matter of pride, dignity and honour for the police to maintain the security of the state. We have to keep in mind that we can fulfill our responsibilities properly,” he added.
The DMP Commissioner said, the President, the Prime Minister, the Indian President and other dignitaries will be present on the occasion to mark the golden jubilee of Independence, Victory Day and the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
"We will be engaged in their security. This duty is of utmost importance,” he added.
READ: 54 arrested in DMP’s anti-narcotics drives
Senior officials of the DMP were present at the briefing.
Indian President’s upcoming visit to Bangladesh reflects high priority to bilateral ties: MEA
The upcoming State visit of Indian President Ram Nath Kovind to Bangladesh on the historic Victory Day is a reflection of the high priority that both countries attach to the bilateral relationship, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs said on Monday.
“It also reaffirms the shared desire of both countries to further consolidate and strengthen the multifaceted and irreversible partnership, based on historical and cultural ties, mutual trust and understanding,” MEA said in a statement officially announcing the State visit of Indian the President to Bangladesh on December 15-17.
Kovind will attend the 50th Victory Day celebrations of Bangladesh during the visit at the invitation of President Abdul Hamid.
Also read: Bangladesh-India ties: Hasina says now focus should be on trade, connectivity
The Indian President will hold a delegation level meeting with President Hamid. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will also have a meeting with the President. Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen will also call on him.
Earlier, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had paid a State visit to Bangladesh from March 26 to 27, 2021 to join the celebrations of the golden jubilee of the independence of Bangladesh, the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and 50 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh.
Also read: Indian Foreign Secretary Shringla likely to visit Dhaka Dec 7-8
“Bangladesh is a major pillar of India’s Neighbourhood First Policy,” said the MEA.
Bangladesh and India share progressive, comprehensive and substantial cooperation in diverse areas ranging from security, border management & defence, water resources, trade, transport & connectivity, health, culture & people-to-people ties, energy & power to development partnership and sub-regional cooperation. Both countries have closely cooperated in addressing challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, it said.
Winners of Best Buy's 'Ako Tomar Bijoy' campaign receive awards
RFL Group's retail chain Best Buy has awarded the winners of "Ako Tomar Bijoy" – an art competition organised on Victory Day.