The nation celebrates today (Saturday) the 47th Victory Day, the day Bangladesh was finally liberated after nine months of war.
On 16 December 16 in 1971, the Pakistani occupation forces surrendered to the joint command of the Bangladesh-India alliance in Dhaka.
The day is set to be observed with programmes to pay homage to the martyrs who laid down their lives for the cause of independence.
The day is a public holiday.
BSS and UNB reported that this year’s the victory day celebration has reached a different height as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) on 30 October recognised Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s historic 7 March speech as a world documentary heritage.
Different political parties, socio-cultural organisations and educational institutions have taken up various programmes to mark the day.
President Abdul Hamid, prime minister and Awami League president Sheikh Hasina and BNP chairperson and former prime minister Khaleda Zia have issued separate messages on the occasion.
As part of the day’s programmes, a colourful parade is scheduled to be held at the National Parade Square at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the morning.
Freedom fighters, members of the armed forces and law enforcement agencies are expected to take part in the parade.
President Abdul Hamid will take salute and inspected the parade as the chief guest while prime minister Sheikh Hasina will also be present at the parade.
President Hamid and prime minister Sheikh Hasina will also place wreaths at the National Mausoleum in Savar in the morning to pay their tributes to the martyred freedom fighters.
They will be followed by the freedom fighters and their family members, foreign diplomats, leaders of Awami League and different political and social organisations and people from all walks of life.
The national flag will be hoisted atop all government and private buildings while the government and semi-government buildings and other public places will be illuminated and roads and islands will be decorated with flags and festoons in all cities of the country on the occasion.
Special prayers will be offered in mosques, temples, churches, pagodas and other places of worship seeking divine blessings for the peace and progress of the country.
The President will accord a reception to freedom fighters at Bangabhaban in the afternoon.
Bangladesh missions abroad will hoist the national flag and organise discussions, cultural functions and receptions.
