Nation celebrates 48th Victory Day today

FE Team | Published: December 15, 2018 22:38:10

The nation will celebrate the 48th Victory Day today (Sunday) to pay homage to the martyrs who laid down their lives for the independence of the country, reports UNB.
On this day in 1971, Pakistani occupation forces surrendered after a nine-month war resulting in a free, independent and sovereign Bangladesh.
The government has chalked out different programmes to celebrate the 48th Victory Day.
President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages on the eve of the day.
In his message, the President said, "The 11th parliamentary election is being held in December, the month of our victory. In democratic system, people exercise their power and choose their desired candidate through the election."
In her message, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, "Bangladesh has become a role model of development in the world. Our government is taking the country forward with immense development in all sectors, including economy, agriculture, education, health, transport, information and technology, infrastructure, power generation, rural economy and diplomatic relations and cooperation during the last 10 years."
The celebrations of the day will start with 31 gun salutes. President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will pay tributes to the martyrs of the Liberation War by placing wreaths at the National Memorial at Savar with the rise of the sun.
However, there will be no parade at the National Parade Ground in the capital due to the national election.
Besides, different socio-cultural and professional bodies and institutions, including Bangla Academy, Shilpakala Academy, National Museum, Muktujoddha Jadughar and Bangladesh Shishu Academy, will observe the day with elaborate programmes.
The day is a public holiday.
The national flag will be hoisted atop government, semi-government and private offices as well as offices of autonomous bodies across the country.
Important buildings and establishments will be illuminated at night. Important roads and road islands will be decorated with miniature national flags and colourful festoons.
National dailies will bring out special supplements.
The state-owned and private televisions and radios are airing month-long special programmes highlighting the Liberation War.
Receptions will be hosted to freedom fighters and family members of the martyrs at city, district and upazila levels.
Special prayers will be offered in mosques and other places of worship, seeking salvation of the souls of martyrs of the Liberation War and peace, progress and prosperity of the country.
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 through different programmes.