Victory Day Today: Nation Pays Homage to Martyrs

Bangladesh is today celebrating Grand Victory Day (Mahan Bijoy Dibosh), commemorating the nation's final triumph in the 1971 Liberation War.

December 16 marks the unforgettable, glorious day when the heroic Bengali nation, after nine months of a bloody war, emerged with an independent territory on the world map as Bangladesh.

President, Chief Adviser Lead Tributes at National Monument

The day began with high-profile tributes paid to the martyrs at the National Martyrs' Memorial (Jatiya Smriti Saudha) in Savar. President Md. Shahabuddin first laid a wreath, followed by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus.

They were followed by the families of the Bir Sreshthos, war-wounded freedom fighters, and other freedom fighters, led by the Adviser for Liberation War Affairs. Additionally, foreign diplomats stationed in Bangladesh, various political and social organizations, and people from all walks of life paid their respects to the martyrs who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation's freedom.

Special Messages from President and Chief Adviser

On the occasion of Victory Day, the President and the Chief Adviser issued separate messages, extending greetings to the nation and paying deep tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War.

President Md. Shahabuddin emphasized the importance of strengthening and institutionalizing democracy to deliver the true benefits of independence to the people's doorstep. He stressed the necessity of fostering a culture of tolerance, mutual respect, and unity in every sphere of personal, social, and national life.

The President recalled that independence is the nation's greatest achievement, achieved after a long history of exploitation, deprivation, and struggle. He paid homage to all the martyrs, war-wounded freedom fighters, mothers and sisters who lost their honor, and all the freedom fighters whose sacrifices resulted in the independent Bangladesh.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus stated in his message, "Let this Victory Day be a day of renewed national unity. Let us swear to protect at any cost the new journey towards democratic transition and the movement for true people's empowerment, upholding the spirit of the Great Liberation War."

The Chief Adviser described December 16 as an unforgettable and glorious day in Bangladesh's history, marking the victory achieved after nine months of a bloody war and the establishment of a sovereign nation and the red-and-green flag through the sacrifice of countless lives.

Events and Cultural Programs

Reception at Bangabhaban: The Chief Adviser, the Chief Justice, Advisers in charge of various ministries, foreign diplomats, senior government officials, and leaders of different organizations are scheduled to pay a courtesy call on the President at Bangabhaban.

World Record Parachuting Attempt: A world record attempt is set to take place today for the largest number of national flags carried during a parachuting display.

Air and Ground Shows: From 11:00 AM, the Bangladesh Army, Navy, and Air Force will conduct separate fly-pasts at Tejgaon Old Airport in the city, which will also host a special Victory Day band show. At 11:40 AM, 54 members of 'Team Bangladesh' will perform a flag-bearing skydiving display, commemorating the 54th year of independence. This is expected to be the world's largest flag-parachuting display and a new Guinness World Record. Similar fly-pasts will occur in other cities, alongside band shows by the Police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and Ansar forces. All events are open to the public.

Victory Fair and Competitions: The Ministry of Liberation War Affairs will organize a three-day Victory Fair in all districts and sub-districts. District and sub-district administrations will organize recitation, essay, and drawing competitions on the Liberation War, along with cultural programs for children.

Cultural Programs: Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Bangla Academy, National Museum, Liberation War Museum, and Bangladesh Shishu Academy, among others, will host discussions on the Liberation War, cultural events, competitions for children, and screenings of documentaries. Bangladeshi embassies abroad will also arrange similar programs.

Sports Events: Sports events, including football matches, T20 cricket tournaments, Kabaddi, and Ha-du-du (a local sport), will be organized for students in schools, colleges, madrasas, and other educational institutions at convenient times across districts and sub-districts.

Reception for Freedom Fighters: The President will host a reception for the families of the Bir Sreshthos at Bangabhaban in the afternoon. Receptions for freedom fighters and families of martyrs will also be held in metropolitan areas, districts, and sub-districts.

Political Parties Announce Programs

Major political parties and socio-cultural organizations, including the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and NCP, have announced special programs to mark the day.

BNP's Program: On Tuesday (December 16), the national and party flags will be hoisted at the BNP central office in Naya Paltan and all party offices nationwide at 6:00 AM. At 7:00 AM, BNP national leaders and activists will visit the National Martyrs' Memorial in Savar to pay respects and lay wreaths. Returning from Savar, the party leaders will lay wreaths and offer Surah Fatiha at the shrine of the Proclaimer of Independence, the late President Ziaur Rahman (Bir Uttam), at 9:30 AM. The party will also publish a special supplement, and its affiliated bodies will implement their own programs.

Jamaat-e-Islami's Program: The central youth wing of Jamaat-e-Islami will organize a Youth Marathon/Rally at the historic Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka on December 16. The rally, led by Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, will start at 7:00 AM and proceed via Shahbagh, Katabon, Science Lab, and Kalabagan, concluding at the historic Manik Mia Avenue.

NCP's Program: The National Citizen Party (NCP) announced that its leaders and activists will pay tribute at the National Martyrs' Memorial at 9:00 AM. Following this, the party will stage an 'Anti-Aggression March' in observance of Grand Victory Day at 3:30 PM.