On this historic Victory Day, the nation pays tribute to the brave warriors who freed the motherland from the clutches of the Pakistani oppressors and raised the flag of an independent Bangladesh. On Monday (December 16) morning, after the President and Chief Advisor paid their respects, the National Martyrs' Memorial was opened to the public. Witness accounts reveal that people from various political, social, and cultural organizations, as well as individuals from all walks of life and students from schools and colleges, gathered at the memorial with flowers, banners, and festoons to honor the martyrs. Many were seen silently standing in red and green attire, reflecting the colors of the national flag. Earlier, at 6:30 AM, President Md. Shahabuddin, and at 7:12 AM, Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, laid wreaths at the National Martyrs' Memorial. Following the floral tributes, they stood in solemn silence to honor the memory of the heroic martyrs of the Liberation War. During the ceremony, a smart contingent comprising members of the Bangladesh Army, Navy, and Air Force presented a state salute as the poignant notes of the bugle filled the air. Later, the President and Chief Advisor signed the visitor’s book at the memorial. It is worth noting that on this day in 1971, after nine months of a bloody Liberation War, the Bengali nation achieved the ultimate victory in its fight for independence. The country will celebrate the day with exuberance, and the entire nation will be immersed in joy. From the capital Dhaka to remote villages, the day will be observed with a variety of programs and festivities.

On the occasion of the Great Victory Day, President Md. Shahabuddin and the Chief Advisor of the interim government, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, paid homage to the heroic martyrs of the Liberation War. On Monday (December 16), the President placed floral wreaths at the National Martyrs' Memorial at 6:30 AM, followed by the Chief Advisor at 7:12 AM. After laying the wreaths, they stood in solemn silence for a while, paying deep respect to the memory of the valiant martyrs of the Liberation War. During the ceremony, a smart contingent comprising members of the Bangladesh Army, Navy, and Air Force presented a state salute. The poignant notes of the bugle filled the air. Later, both the President and the Chief Advisor signed the visitor’s book placed at the memorial premises. It is worth mentioning that on this day in 1971, after nine months of a bloody Liberation War, the Bengali nation achieved the ultimate victory in its struggle for independence. The country will celebrate the day with jubilation, and the entire nation will be filled with joy. From the capital, Dhaka, to remote villages, the day will be observed with various events and festivities.

State mourning has been declared across the country on Tuesday (July 30) in memory of the victims of the quota movement, including members of the law enforcement agencies.  The decision was taken at the weekly meeting of the cabinet held at the Prime Minister's Office on Monday (July 29). Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina presided over the meeting. Meanwhile, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan confirmed that 147 people were killed in clashes and violence during the quota movement. He said this while briefing reporters at his office at the Secretariat on Sunday (July 28). The students' movement demanding quota reform began on July 1. After the clashes surrounding the student movement on Dhaka University on July 15, protests spread almost all over the country. Since then, attacks, clashes, violence, vandalism, arson and casualties in different parts of the country including Dhaka.  However, this is the first time the government has reported the death toll. According to various media reports, more than 200 people have died so far.

National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam’s 125th birth anniversary is being celebrated across the country today. On the occasion of the day, exclusive programs have been taken at the national level. Ministry of Cultural Affairs has taken elaborate programmes to mark the day at the national level. Different organisations and cultural bodies, including Dhaka University, have also taken programmes to celebrate the day amid various functions on Saturday (May 24). President Mohammed Shahbuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages and paying rich tributes to the memory of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. President Md. Sahabuddin said in his speech, Nazrul's poetry and songs provided inspiration in every movement and struggle of Bengali, including the anti-British movement, the mass uprising of the 1970s and the great liberation war. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, 'Poet Nazrul has inspired and stimulated the people of Bangladesh in the liberation struggle through his convincing and strong writings. The diverse creativity of Nazrul literature is still relevant in our national life. Begum Matia Chowdhury, Deputy Leader of Jatiya Sangsad, being present as the chief guest on the opening day of the three-day event (May 25 to 27) organized by the Ministry of Culture. The program  inaugurates at Shahbagh National Museum in the capital on Saturday at 4 pm. Apart from this, under the leadership of Nahid Izhar Khan, State Minister of the Ministry of Culture, wreaths are being placed at Nazrul's tomb at Dhaka University campus at 6:30 am today. Apart from this, the 125th birth anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam is being celebrated in various places including Mymensingh's Trishal and Cumilla's Daulatpur, where the national poet's memory is intertwined, under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture and under the management of the local administration. Besides is being celebrated at Tewta in Manikganj and Karpasdanga in Chuadanga and Chattogram. On this occasion, the local administration has taken various programs including discussions and cultural events. Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar, private radio and television channels broadcasting the national level opening ceremony along with live broadcast. On the occasion of the 125th birth anniversary of Kazi Nazrul Islam, the Awami League paid homage at Nazrul's tomb in the central mosque premises of Dhaka University at 7:30 am. General Secretary of Awami League and Minister of Road Transport and Bridges Obaidul Quader said in a statement on Friday that Kazi Nazrul Islam is a poet of Bengali traditional thinking and spirit. In Bengali literature, Kazi Nazrul is known as a poet of love and equality. Standing against superstition, bigotry and sectarianism, the poet sang the victory of humanity. Taking up the pen against the exploitation, torture and discrimination of the British rulers, he awakened the sense of Bengali nationalism. In the statement, he called on the leaders, workers, supporters and fans of Awami League, allied and fraternal organizations at all levels to celebrate the birthday of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam with due dignity. Bangla Academy was  showing respects at Nazrul's tomb in Dhaka University Central Mosque at 8 am on Saturday. Apart from this, tributes also be paid to the Nazrul's portrait installed at the Nazrul Manch of Bangla Academy. Dhaka University authorities have undertaken various programs to celebrate the 125th birth anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam with due dignity. Programs include wreath-laying at Nazrul's shrine, discussions and musical performances. On the occasion of the birth anniversary of rebel poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, under the leadership of  Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. ASM Maqsood Kamal, teachers, students, officers and employees of the university taken a procession to Nazrul's tomb at 6:30 am.  Later, they paid tributes by placing wreaths at the National Poet's shrine and recite Fateha for his soul's salvation.  After that, under the chairmanship of the Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University, a discussion meeting and music program were organized at Nazrul's tomb premises.  Although known as a rebel poet in Bengali literature, Kazi Nazrul was a poet, musician, novelist, storyteller, playwright, essayist, journalist, filmmaker, singer and actor. He has held the seat of dignity in the world of Bengali music by creating various ragas and raginis. His poems, songs and literary works created a renaissance in Bengali literature. Kazi Nazrul Islam born in Churulia village, West Bengal, on this day in 1899, Nazrul's works inspired resistance against injustice and oppression. His fiery poetry and creative genius have left an indelible mark on Bengali literature.

The country is set to celebrate Pahela Baishakh, the first day of Bengali New Year 1431. The day will be celebrated through various arrangements upholding the rich cultural values. Preparations are underway at the Fine Arts of Dhaka University to welcome Baishakh. On Saturday (April 13) afternoon, it was seen that the artists are passing busy time at the last moment at the Fine Arts premises of Dhaka University (DU). On the first day of Bengali New Year , people from all walks of life usually wear traditional Bengali dresses. Men wear white pyjamas and panjabi where Women wear white sarees with red borders and adorn themselves with bangles and flowers. Through Pahela Baishakh the Bangalees bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new year.  To celebrate the day the programmes will begin in the capital with the musical soiree of Chhayanat at Ramna Batamul at dawn. The traditional Mangal Shobhajatra will be brought out from Dhaka University (DU) Fine Arts Faculty premises early in the morning. Various paintings have already been painted on the walls of the Faculty of Fine Arts of DU. The walls of the university are bing decorated with various pictures of nature. The graffiti of Flowers, fish, boats, tigers, peacocks and  have been placed by the students. Viewers turn around looking at the paintings of the artists. Apart from this, the work of masks, dolls and painting is going on inside the fine arts for the Mangal Shobhajatra.  

The whole nation is set to celebrate its' 54th Independence today (26 March) in a befitting manner. The government has taken elaborate programmes at the national level to celebrate the day. The programmes to celebrate 54th Independence day will begin with gun salutes early in the morning. All government, semi-government, autonomous and private institutaion will hoist the national flag atop with the rises of the sun. However, The National Martyrs' Memorial at Savar will be the main venue of the day's celebration. President Mohammad Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will place floral wreaths early in the morning as a mark of profound respect to the memories of the martyrs of 1971. In that day people from all walks of life, including freedom fighters, members of the diplomatic corps, leaders of different political parties, social, cultural and professional bodies, will also place floral wreaths at the national memorial.  

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that the country is witnessing socioeconomic development as the democratic trend has continued since 2009. It is a proven fact that development is possible if there is a continuous democratic government. PM Sheikh Hasina said this in the closing session of the two-day International Conference on "South Asian Constitutional Courts in the Twenty-First Century: Lessons from Bangladesh and India" on Saturday (Feb 24). She said that no woman could participate in the judiciary before independence. After independence, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman ensured the entry of women in the judiciary. "We have separated the judiciary totally independent from the administration as it was the vision of  Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman," PM added.  

The Election Commission (EC) has completed all preparations to hold the 12th Jatiya Sangsad (JS) elections in a free, fair and peaceful manner in all but one constituency simultaneously across the country tomorrow ( Jan 7). EC officials said 11,96,89,289 voters, including 6,76,09,741 male, 5,89,18,699 female and 849 transgender, will vote to elect 299 members of parliament out of 300 as the EC earlier postponed the elections to Naogaon-2 due to independent candidate Aminul Islam's death. A total of 1,970 candidates, including 1,534 from 28 political parties and 436 independents, are vying in the polls. Of the candidates, 266 from the ruling Awami League (AL), 265 from Jatiya Party (JaPa), 135 from Trinomul BNP, 66 from Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JASAD), 122 from National People's Party (NPP), 13 from Jatiya Party (JP) and 10 from Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh are contesting in the polls. A total of 90 female candidates, including from political parties and independents, and 79 from ethnic minority and other groups are vying in the polls.  The balloting will begin at 8am and continue till 4pm without any break at 261,912 polling booths in 42,024 voting centres across the country. The ballot papers and other polling materials, including stamp pads, official seals, marking seals, are being sent to returning officers (ROs) offices. However, the EC, for the first time in the election history of the country, decided to send ballot papers to polling stations in the morning of voting day except 2,964 centres in the country's remote areas as ballots to these centres will be sent by today.  A required number of members of law enforcement agencies have been deployed across the country to ensure the security of the voters so that they can go to polling centres, exercise franchise and return home safely. About 8 lakh members of law enforcement agencies, including 182,091 from police and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), 1,155 platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) members, 505,788 Ansar and VDP members and Coast Guard personnel, have been tasked with ensuring overall security during the elections across the country. Members of the armed forces were deployed from Wednesday across the country to assist the local civil administration in holding the general election in a free, fair, and peaceful manner. Army personnel are performing their duties in 62 districts while Navy personnel have been deployed in two coastal districts- Bhola and Barguna- and 19 upazilas "In Aid to the Civil Power". Besides, members of Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) are providing assistance to the voting centres in remote hilly areas in the country with helicopters. Members of law enforcement agencies and armed forces will remain deployed till January 10 to ensure peace, and control law and order before, after, and during voting day. In addition, BGB Dog Squads specially trained on explosive materials are working in different areas across the country to deal with any violent activities. Besides, the Fire Service and Civil Defence has formed a central monitoring and coordination cell to deal with any kind of incident including fire and violent activities during the JS elections across the country. A total of 8 lakh polling officials will remain engaged in polling activities while more 1 lakh will remain standby, he said, adding, in addition to that 3,000 executive and judicial magistrates will perform their duties in the fields across the country during the elections. A total of 66 returning officers (ROs), including two divisional commissioners and 64 deputy commissioners (DCs), are performing their responsibilities to conduct the polls.  Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal will address the nation this evening over tomorrow's polls. His address to the nation will be aired on state-run Bangladesh Television (BTV) and Bangladesh Betar at 7pm. The EC, however, ordered the authorities concerned to enhance security and surveillance at all polling stations across the country in a bid to hold the election in a free and fair manner.   

The nation is celebrating the Victory Day, the most precious day of the Bangalees, today as the country was liberated from the Pakistani occupation forces on that day 52 years back after a nine-month-long bloodstained War of Liberation. On December 16 in 1971, Bangladesh was born as an independent country under the leadership of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at the cost of supreme sacrifice of three million people and the honour of nearly half a million women. President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday issued separate messages on the occasion, paying glowing tributes to the martyrs of the Liberation War in 1971. The programmes marking the 'Victory Day' include a 31-gun salute, placing of wreaths at the monuments to pay homage to martyrs, hoisting of the national flags atop all government, semi-government and private offices as well as offices of autonomous bodies across the country. The victory day programmes also include decorating city streets and illumination of important buildings and establishments, roads and street islands at night. President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina  paid homage to the martyrs of the Liberation War by placing wreaths at the National Memorial at Savar on the outskirts of the capital with the rise of the sun. They will be followed by the family members of Bir Sreshthos, wounded freedom fighters and other valiant freedom fighters led by the Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Huq. Later, foreign diplomats, leaders of different political and social organisations and people from all walks of life will place wreaths to pay homage to the martyrs. President Mohammed Shahabuddin and his wife Dr Rebecca Sultana will host a reception at Bangabhaban on Victory Day marking the country's 53rd Victory Day. "Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Jatiya Sangsad (JS) Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan and other dignitaries are expected to join the reception on the lawn of the Bangabhaban at about 5:30pm on the day," President's Press Secretary Md Joynal Abedin told BSS on December 14. As many as 20, 000 guests have been invited to the reception programme. Of the invitees, cabinet members, advisers, state ministers, ambassadors and high commissioners of different countries, Supreme Court judges, chiefs of the three services, members of parliament, senior political leaders, academics, business community leaders, artistes, valiant freedom fighters and families of Bir Shreshtha gallantry award recipients and distinguished citizens will attend the reception. The day is a public holiday. Important buildings and structures are illuminated. Besides, important roads and road islands in the capital and other cities across the country are decorated with national flags and colourful festoons. Bands of different forces play music at various important places. National dailies brought out special supplements highlighting the significance of the day while the electronic media is broadcasting month-long special programmes based on the Liberation War. Different social and cultural organisations including Bangladesh Awami League, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Bangla Academy, National Museum, Liberation War Museum, Bangladesh Shishu Academy organise Liberation War-based discussions, cultural events and drawing, essay and sports competitions for children and display Liberation War-related documentaries. On the occasion of Victory Day, a discussion titled 'Upholding the spirit of the Liberation War and the best use of digital technology in building the Sonar Bangla as dreamt by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman' will be held at the national, district and upazila levels across the country. Receptions will be hosted to freedom fighters and family members of martyrs at the city, district and upazila levels. Special prayers will be offered at mosques and other places of worship, seeking eternal peace in the souls of martyrs of the Liberation War and peace, progress and prosperity of the country. Improved diets will be served in jails, hospitals, orphanages, old-age homes and other similar institutions across the country. All children's parks and museums will be kept open for all without tickets and Liberation War-based films will be screened in the cinema halls free of cost across the country. On the day, a documentary and poster exhibition on the history and heritage of the Liberation War will be organized at Swadhinata Stambha and Underground Museum at Suhrawardy Udyan in the city. Similar programmes will be taken at district and upazila levels as well as Bangladesh missions abroad, highlighting the significance of the day.   Source: BSS

The nation is celebrating the Victory Day, the most precious day of the Bangalees, today as the country was liberated from the Pakistani occupation forces on that day 52 years back after a nine-month-long bloodstained War of Liberation. On December 16 in 1971, Bangladesh was born as an independent country under the leadership of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at the cost of supreme sacrifice of three million people and the honour of nearly half a million women. President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday issued separate messages on the occasion, paying glowing tributes to the martyrs of the Liberation War in 1971. The programmes marking the 'Victory Day' include a 31-gun salute, placing of wreaths at the monuments to pay homage to martyrs, hoisting of the national flags atop all government, semi-government and private offices as well as offices of autonomous bodies across the country. The victory day programmes also include decorating city streets and illumination of important buildings and establishments, roads and street islands at night. President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina  paid homage to the martyrs of the Liberation War by placing wreaths at the National Memorial at Savar on the outskirts of the capital with the rise of the sun. They will be followed by the family members of Bir Sreshthos, wounded freedom fighters and other valiant freedom fighters led by the Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Huq. Later, foreign diplomats, leaders of different political and social organisations and people from all walks of life will place wreaths to pay homage to the martyrs. President Mohammed Shahabuddin and his wife Dr Rebecca Sultana will host a reception at Bangabhaban on Victory Day marking the country's 53rd Victory Day. "Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Jatiya Sangsad (JS) Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan and other dignitaries are expected to join the reception on the lawn of the Bangabhaban at about 5:30pm on the day," President's Press Secretary Md Joynal Abedin told BSS on December 14. As many as 20, 000 guests have been invited to the reception programme. Of the invitees, cabinet members, advisers, state ministers, ambassadors and high commissioners of different countries, Supreme Court judges, chiefs of the three services, members of parliament, senior political leaders, academics, business community leaders, artistes, valiant freedom fighters and families of Bir Shreshtha gallantry award recipients and distinguished citizens will attend the reception. The day is a public holiday. Important buildings and structures are illuminated. Besides, important roads and road islands in the capital and other cities across the country are decorated with national flags and colourful festoons. Bands of different forces play music at various important places. National dailies brought out special supplements highlighting the significance of the day while the electronic media is broadcasting month-long special programmes based on the Liberation War. Different social and cultural organisations including Bangladesh Awami League, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Bangla Academy, National Museum, Liberation War Museum, Bangladesh Shishu Academy organise Liberation War-based discussions, cultural events and drawing, essay and sports competitions for children and display Liberation War-related documentaries. On the occasion of Victory Day, a discussion titled 'Upholding the spirit of the Liberation War and the best use of digital technology in building the Sonar Bangla as dreamt by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman' will be held at the national, district and upazila levels across the country. Receptions will be hosted to freedom fighters and family members of martyrs at the city, district and upazila levels. Special prayers will be offered at mosques and other places of worship, seeking eternal peace in the souls of martyrs of the Liberation War and peace, progress and prosperity of the country. Improved diets will be served in jails, hospitals, orphanages, old-age homes and other similar institutions across the country. All children's parks and museums will be kept open for all without tickets and Liberation War-based films will be screened in the cinema halls free of cost across the country. On the day, a documentary and poster exhibition on the history and heritage of the Liberation War will be organized at Swadhinata Stambha and Underground Museum at Suhrawardy Udyan in the city. Similar programmes will be taken at district and upazila levels as well as Bangladesh missions abroad, highlighting the significance of the day. Source: BSS