Dhaka, Dec 16 (V7N) - Today, December 16, marks the 55th Victory Day of Bangladesh. Following a nine-month-long armed and bloody war in 1971, the Bengali nation achieved ultimate victory in its struggle for independence. On this day, the surrender of the Pakistani occupying forces led to the establishment of a sovereign state and the raising of the national red-and-green flag.

This year’s Victory Day comes in a unique context. Following the people’s uprising on August 5 last year, the Awami League government was ousted. The interim government has already announced a referendum and the 13th National Parliamentary elections scheduled for February 12 next year and the issuance of certificates in July. Through these elections, the nation hopes to advance democratic processes and state reforms, giving this year’s Victory Day a renewed emphasis on democracy and building an equitable Bangladesh.

On this occasion, President Md. Sahabuddin and Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus delivered messages conveying greetings and congratulations to the nation while paying deep respects to the countless freedom fighters and martyrs whose supreme sacrifices made victory possible.

National Program:

Today is a public holiday. The day will begin in Dhaka with 31 gun salutes at dawn. Government, semi-government, autonomous, and private buildings, as well as Bangladesh embassies and missions abroad, will hoist the national flag, while significant buildings will be illuminated in the evening. Main streets in Dhaka and across the country will be decorated with national flags, banners, and colorful symbols.

At 6:34 am, President Md. Sahabuddin and Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus will lay wreaths at the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar. Following this, war veterans, families of Bir Sreshtho recipients, and injured freedom fighters, led by Advisor Faruk-e-Azam from the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, will lay wreaths. Citizens, foreign diplomats, and members of political, social, cultural, and professional organizations across the country will pay respects to the martyrs.

From 11 am, the Bangladesh Army, Navy, and Air Force will conduct a separate flypast at the old Tejgaon Airport in Dhaka, accompanied by a special Victory Day band show. In a joint program, 54 paratroopers will parachute holding the national flag, marking the largest flag-holding parachute display in the world and expected to set a Guinness World Record. Throughout the day, music will be performed by military and auxiliary bands, including police, BGB, Ansar, and BNCC units nationwide.

The Ministry of Liberation War Affairs will organize three-day Victory Mela across all districts and sub-districts, including student assemblies, flag-raising ceremonies, national anthem performances, parades, and exhibitions. The Ministry of Cultural Affairs will host Victory Day songs at the historic Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka at 3 pm, simultaneously broadcast across all 64 districts. Performances by young artists will include acrobatics and historical theater presentations, highlighting the nation’s liberation history.

Cultural institutions including the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Bangla Academy, National Museum, Liberation War Museum, and Bangladesh Shishu Academy will hold discussions, cultural programs, children’s competitions, and screenings of historical documentaries. Bangladesh embassies abroad will host similar programs to commemorate the day.

In the afternoon, the President will host members of Bir Sreshtho families at Bangabhaban. Tributes will also be held nationwide for freedom fighters and families of martyrs. The Bangladesh Post Office will issue commemorative stamps. Sports events, including football, T20 cricket, kabaddi, and hadudu, will be organized in schools, colleges, and madrassas. Social welfare and child development institutions will host communal meals and prayers for the health of freedom fighters, the souls of martyrs, and the country’s peace and progress.

Television and radio channels will broadcast historical programs on the liberation struggle. Newspapers will publish special supplements and articles highlighting the day’s significance. Museums and parks will be open to the public free of charge, and movies on the Liberation War will be screened free for students.

Naval vessels will be open for public viewing at Chittagong, Khulna, Mongla, and Payra ports, as well as Dhaka’s Sadarghat, Pagla, and Barisal, from 9 am to sunset.

Political, social, cultural, and professional organizations have also organized programs nationwide. The BNP will hold flag-raising ceremonies, wreath-laying at the National Martyrs’ Memorial, and commemorative events at the graves of Ziaur Rahman Bir Uttam. Jamaat-e-Islami will organize a youth marathon at Suhrawardy Udyan. Other parties and organizations including NCP, Democratic United Front, Left Democratic Alliance, Ganatantrik Manch, Jatiya Party, Workers’ Party, JASAD, and others, along with freedom fighter associations and civic groups, will hold diverse programs throughout the day.

This Victory Day honors the nation’s liberation, celebrates the spirit of independence, and unites the people of Bangladesh in remembrance, pride, and hope for a prosperous, democratic future.

END/RKB/SMA/