Victory Day today

The nation is set to celebrate today the Victory Day, the most joyous day when the country was born at the cost of the supreme sacrifice of three million martyrs and the honour of nearly half a million mothers and sisters, with elaborate 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 homage to the martyrs who laid down their lives for the country during the Liberation War.

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 occasion at home and abroad.

The day will begin with a 31-gun salute at dawn in Dhaka.

At sunrise, 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, report agencies.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus issued separate messages on the occasion.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin urged all concerned to contribute more from their respective positions to build a corruption and exploitation free country as well as implement the Liberation War goals being imbued with the spirit and values of the anti-discrimination movement in 2024.

"Contribute more to build a country free of corruption, implement the goals of Liberation War and establish a society free from exploitation," the President said in a message issued on the eve of the Great Victory Day.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus vowed to work together to build a developed, prosperous and well-governed Bangladesh as the interim government had been 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," he said in a message issued on the eve of the Victory Day.

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.

Electronic media outlets will air month-long programmes related to the Liberation War.

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 organize 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 Shreshthas at Bangabhaban. In addition, receptions will be held for freedom fighters and the families of martyrs in the metropolitan areas, districts, and upazilas.

The Bangladesh Postal Service will issue a commemorative postage stamp on this occasion.

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.