Dhaka, Dec 15 – All Bangladesh is set to celebrate the 48th Victory Day on Sunday and pay deep homage to the martyrs who laid down their lives for the country. On this day in 1971, Pakistani occupation forces surrendered after a nine-month war heralding a free, independent and sovereign Bangladesh. Various programmes have been taken up to celebrate the Victory Day.
President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages on the eve of the day.
The celebrations of the day will start with a 31-gun salute. President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will pay tributes to the martyrs of the Liberation War by placing wreaths at the National Mausoleum at Savar with the rise of the sun.
There will be no parade at the National Parade Ground in the capital due to the national election.
Different socio-cultural and professional bodies and institutions, including Bangla Academy, Shilpakala Academy, National Museum, Muktujoddha Jadughar and Bangladesh Shishu Academy, will observe the day with elaborate programmes.
The day is a closed public holiday. The national flag will be hoisted atop government, semi-government and private offices as well as offices of autonomous bodies across the country.
Important buildings and establishments have been illuminated at night. Important roads and road islands have also been decorated with miniature national flags and colourful festoons.
National dailies are bringing out special supplements. The state-owned and private televisions and radios are airing month-long special programmes highlighting the Liberation War.
Receptions will be hosted to freedom fighters and family members of the martyrs at the city, district and Upazila levels.
Special prayers will be offered in mosques and other places of worship, seeking the salvation of 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 and vagrant homes across the country.
Destitute children will be allowed to visit children’s parks and other recreational centres across the country free-of-cost.
In his message, the President said, “The 11th parliamentary election is being held in December, the month of our victory. In a democratic system, people exercise their power and choose their desired candidate through the election.“
He expressed the hope that people will elect honest, capable and patriotic candidates in the upcoming election and continue the development and advancement of the country. “Let the glory of democracy be strengthened through the festive mood of the election,” said Abdul Hamid.
In her message, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, “Bangladesh has become a role model of development in the world. Our government is taking the country forward with immense development in all sectors, including economy, agriculture, education, health, transport, information and technology, infrastructure, power generation, rural economy and diplomatic relations and cooperation during the last 10 years.” GreenWatch News Desk with UNB
