Dhaka, Dec 16, (V7N) - On the 54th Victory Day, President Mohammad Shahabuddin paid tribute to the fallen heroes of the 1971 Liberation War by laying a wreath at the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar. The ceremony took place at 6:30 AM today, Monday, December 16.

After laying the wreath, the President stood in solemn silence for a moment to honor the martyrs of the Liberation War. A guard of honor, formed by the Bangladesh Army, Navy, and Air Force, saluted the President, while the sound of the bugle echoed across the memorial. The President also signed the visitors' book at the memorial.

Victory Day is a momentous occasion in the history of Bangladesh, marking the day when the country achieved independence after a nine-month-long bloody war in 1971. The day is celebrated with great enthusiasm across the nation, from the capital Dhaka to the remotest villages. The President and Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus have both issued separate messages of greetings and tributes to the nation, remembering the sacrifices made by countless freedom fighters and martyrs, without whose sacrifices the ultimate victory would not have been possible.

National celebrations are underway, with a 31-gun salute at dawn to mark the beginning of the day’s festivities. Following the wreath-laying at the National Martyrs’ Memorial, the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs will be leading a ceremony where the families of the Bir Shreshtha (the highest wartime honor recipients) and freedom fighters will pay their tributes. Diplomats, political and social organizations, and citizens from all walks of life will also lay wreaths in remembrance of the martyrs.

In Dhaka and across the country, the national flag will be hoisted at all government, semi-government, autonomous, and private buildings. Important buildings and landmarks will be illuminated, and the streets of Dhaka will be adorned with the national flag. The day will also be marked with special programs on state-run and private television channels, focusing on the Liberation War, as well as the issuance of commemorative postal stamps by the Department of Posts.

Religious institutions will conduct special prayers and ceremonies for the peace and progress of the country, and special meals will be served at orphanages, old age homes, hospitals, jails, and children’s homes. All children’s parks and museums will be open to the public free of charge, and war-related films will be shown in movie theaters.

Several cultural organizations, including the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Bangla Academy, National Museum, Liberation War Museum, and Bangladesh Shishu Academy, will host discussions, cultural events, children’s drawing and writing competitions, and screenings of war documentaries.

In addition to the national celebrations, local festivals and cultural programs will be held across districts and upazilas, including Victory Fairs showcasing local handicrafts and products, as well as competitions for children on the theme of the Liberation War. The day will also see the recognition of freedom fighters and martyrs’ families across cities and towns.

At the political level, various organizations, including BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, have announced their programs for the day. BNP has planned to raise the national and party flags at all party offices, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the National Martyrs’ Memorial and a tribute at the grave of their founder, former President Ziaur Rahman, in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. They will also hold a public concert in the afternoon. Jamaat-e-Islami, meanwhile, will host victory rallies from Uttara and Bijoy Nagar in Dhaka.

On the security front, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police has issued guidelines for alternative routes in areas around the Bangabhaban due to the presence of dignitaries and high-level officials visiting the President on this special day. Traffic in certain areas, including Gulistan, Ittafak Morr, and Shapla Chattar, will be diverted to ensure smooth movement for the events.

As the nation celebrates its hard-earned independence, Victory Day serves as a reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and perseverance that defined the spirit of Bangladesh’s Liberation War, as well as the ongoing pursuit of peace and prosperity.

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