Dhaka – Millions paid glowing tribute on Tuesday to the war heroes who laid down their lives for the birth of the nation 54 years ago, in a bloody war for independence.
People from all walks of life gathered at the National Mausoleum on the outskirts of Savar, Dhaka, to show their respect by placing floral wreaths at its altar. Across the country, citizens laid wreaths at makeshift memorials and joined various programs to commemorate Victory Day.
On this day in 1971, Bangladesh emerged as an independent nation after the Pakistani occupation forces surrendered, ending a nine-month war that, according to government estimates, claimed three million lives.
The government, political parties, and socio-cultural organizations arranged extensive programs to mark the day, which began with a 31-gun salute in the capital.
At daybreak, President Muhammad Sahabuddin and Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus separately paid tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War by placing wreaths at the National Memorial in Savar. Afterward, they stood in solemn silence to honor the memory of those who died in the 1971 war of liberation.
A smartly turned-out contingent from the Bangladesh Army, Navy, and Air Force presented a state salute during the ceremony. The event was attended by the Chief Justice, advisers of the interim government, chiefs of the three services, freedom fighters, diplomats, and senior civil and military officials, among others.
Other observances included the hoisting of national flags, a parachute display featuring the highest number of national flags, cultural events, and recitation, essay-writing, and painting competitions for children on the theme of the Liberation War, along with an acrobatic show.
Foreign diplomats in Bangladesh also paid their respects to the martyrs who made the supreme sacrifice during the Liberation War.
Major roads and traffic islands in Dhaka and other cities have been decorated with banners, festoons, and colorful flags, including the national flag.
To mark the occasion, the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs organized three-day Victory Fairs in all districts and upazilas across the country. District and upazila administrations also arranged recitation, essay-writing, and painting competitions for children, alongside cultural programs to celebrate the day.
