Dhaka, Dec 16, (V7N) - On the occasion of Victory Day, Interim Government Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus paid tribute at the National Martyrs' Memorial in Savar. He was joined by visiting President of Timor-Leste, José Ramos-Horta, who also honored the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War. They placed flowers at the memorial at 7:12 AM and stood silently to pay respects to the fallen heroes of the war. During this time, a ceremonial salute was given by a combined team of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The mournful sound of the bugle echoed, and later, Dr. Yunus signed the visitors' book placed at the memorial.

Today, December 16, marks the 54th Victory Day, a historic day that represents the unparalleled valor of the Bengali nation, marking their emergence as a free and independent people. It was on this day, in 1971, after a bloody nine-month struggle, that the nation achieved the final victory in the Liberation War, ultimately establishing Bangladesh as a sovereign nation on the world map.

On this joyous day, celebrations will be held across the country, from the capital Dhaka to the farthest villages, as the nation remembers its hard-fought independence. This is the first Victory Day since the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024, following a student-led uprising, and the formation of the interim government on August 8, 2024.

On this occasion, President Mohammad Shahabuddin and Chief Advisor Dr. Yunus have issued separate messages, extending their greetings to the nation and honoring the countless sacrifices made by freedom fighters and martyrs, whose sacrifices made the ultimate victory possible.

National Celebration Activities:

To mark Victory Day with the utmost respect, national-level events have been organized. The day will begin with 31 cannon salutes at dawn in Dhaka. At sunrise, President Mohammad Shahabuddin and Chief Advisor Dr. Yunus will place wreaths at the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar. Following this, families of the Bir Shrestha (highest war heroes) and freedom fighters, under the leadership of the Advisor to the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, Faruk-e-Azam, will also offer wreaths.

Foreign diplomats, members of various political and social organizations, and people from all walks of life will also pay their tributes to the martyrs of the Liberation War. In the afternoon, the families of Bir Shresthas will be honored at Bangabhaban (the Presidential Palace).

Victory Day is a public holiday, and the national flag will be hoisted at all government, semi-government, autonomous, and private buildings. Significant buildings and structures will be illuminated, and major roads and intersections across Dhaka and other cities will be decorated with the national flag.

Various media outlets, including newspapers, Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar, and private television channels, will air special Liberation War-based programs. The postal department has issued commemorative stamps. Religious institutions will organize special prayers for the peace and progress of the country. Special meals will be served in orphanages, old homes, hospitals, jails, and children’s homes. All children’s parks and museums across the country will remain open to the public free of charge, and Liberation War-themed films will be screened at cinemas free of charge.

Cultural programs, discussions, and exhibitions based on the Liberation War will be organized by various institutions such as the Bangladesh Academy of Fine Arts, Bangla Academy, National Museum, Liberation War Museum, and Bangladesh Children’s Academy. Art competitions, writing contests, sports events, and screenings of Liberation War documentaries will also be organized for children. Victory fairs showcasing handicrafts and locally produced goods will be held throughout the country, along with exhibitions and cultural events for children related to the Liberation War.

In the capital and other districts, families of freedom fighters and martyrs will be honored with special programs. Bangladesh embassies abroad will also organize events highlighting the significance of the day.

Political and Social Observances:

Various political, social, and cultural organizations have organized their own programs to mark the day. The BNP (Bangladesh Nationalist Party) will raise national and party flags at its offices at dawn, place wreaths at the National Martyrs' Memorial in Savar at 7:30 AM, and later, visit the grave of BNP's founder and former President Ziaur Rahman at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. At 2:00 PM, the party will host a public concert titled “Sobar Age Bangladesh” at Manik Mia Avenue. There will also be a poster release and illumination at the party’s headquarters in Nayapaltan and the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan. Additionally, the party held a discussion on Sunday at the Engineers’ Institute in the capital.

Jamaat-e-Islami will hold a victory rally at 10:00 AM, with participants gathering at Zimzam Tower in Uttara and Bijoy Nagar in Dhaka.

Traffic Management Instructions:

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has issued alternative routes for vehicles around Bangabhaban and nearby areas to facilitate the smooth movement of vehicles, as high-profile guests including the Chief Advisor, Chief Justice, foreign diplomats, and senior government officials will be visiting. From noon, vehicles are advised to follow alternate routes around Bangabhaban as the event concludes.

According to DMP instructions, all types of vehicles will be restricted from traveling between Gulistan Ahad Box to Ittafaq Mor, from Aliko Gap to Dilkush Commercial Area, and the northern end of Park Road to Ittafaq Mor. Public buses traveling from Shapla Chattar and Daily Bangla to Rajuk-Gulistan will have to follow alternate routes, such as UBL Crossing and Press Club. Commercial vehicles traveling from Daily Bangla towards Rajuk will also be prohibited from using their usual routes.

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