The National Memorial in Savar comes alive as people from all walks of life gather to pay their heartfelt tribute to the Liberation War martyrs on Tuesday, marking the Victory Day. — FE photo Clad in red-green attire, symbolizing their national ensign, umpteen people paid tributes to war martyrs at the national memorial and joined commemorative functions Tuesday as Bangladesh celebrated the 55th Victory Day in new spirits.
On this glorious day of 16th December in 1971, Bangladesh emerged as an independent nation after the then Pakistani occupation forces surrendered in Dhaka, bringing to an end a bloody nine-month war and commencing the birth of Bangladesh as an independent country.
The government has drawn up extensive programmes to celebrate the glorious occasion which were heralded with a 31-gun salute at sunrise in Dhaka.
People from all walks of life thronged the National Martyrs' Memorial at Savar to pay homage to the valiant sons of the nation, the heroic freedom fighters and the martyrs.
Since early morning, thousands of people from different parts of the country gathered on the memorial premises to remember the nation's brave sons.
Rank-and-file of political parties, various socio-cultural organisations, students of schools, colleges and universities, political figures, freedom fighters and members of freedom fighters' families made their way to the memorial to the martyrs, carrying flowers, banners and festoons, to pay their respects to the martyred heroes.
"The altar of the martyrs is filled with reverence and floral tributes from people of all professions and strata of life," says a spot account of the solemn ceremonies.
As part of the state programme, President Mohammed Shahabuddin paid floral tributes at the altar of the National Martyrs' Memorial at 6:35am. Chief Adviser of the interim government Professor Muhammad Yunus placed wreaths at 6:56am.
Later, members of the Advisory Council, valiant freedom fighters and other important state dignitaries saluted the martyred heroes at the main altar of the memorial.
Afterwards, the memorial was opened to the public. Leaders and activists of political, social and cultural organisations, along with students of various public and private universities and their residential halls, placed floral wreaths in an orderly manner by standing in queues.
On the day, heavy traffic congestion was reported on the Dhaka-Aricha highway from Bishmile in Savar to Nabinagar, while many people were seen walking down to reach the memorial.
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.
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus later enjoyed Victory Day Fly Past, parajump and band display at the National Parade Ground in the city.
To mark the country's 54 years of independence, 54 paratroopers from the Bangladesh Army, Navy and Air Force performed a national flag-bearing skydive.
Prof Yunus also witnessed the separate spectacular fly-past and aerobatic display.
He also enjoyed a special Victory Day band show there.
Later, the Chief Adviser exchanged greetings with the 54 paratroopers and took part in a photo session with them.
All children's parks and museums in the country were open to public without entry fees and Liberation War-based films screened at cinemas cost-free.
On the eve of the Victory Day, the President and the Chief Adviser of the interim government issued separate messages of greetings.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin said, "On this very day in 1971, we attained our long-cherished freedom and sovereignty through a nine-month-long, bloodied Liberation War."
He also paid his deepest respect to the valiant martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the war, the wounded freedom fighters, the mothers and sisters who lost their dignity, the families of the martyrs and all the courageous people who dedicated their efforts to the cause of independence.
Chief Adviser, Prof Yunus, said, "Through immense sacrifice and the bloodshed of countless martyrs, we secured our independent national identity and our red-and-green flag."
He paid deepest respect to the brave martyrs who laid down their lives during the Liberation War and throughout the long struggle for independence.
"Through the July Uprising, we have once again gained the opportunity to establish a democratic system free from discrimination, corruption, and tyranny. The extensive reform initiatives undertaken by the interim government to build a well-governed and progressive Bangladesh are now advancing towards successful completion, with the collective participation of our citizens," he said.
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