People from all walks of life have flocked to the National Martyrs' Monument in Savar to celebrate Bangladesh’s 53rd Victory Day and pay their respects to the martyrs, who sacrificed their lives for the motherland.
On Saturday morning, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid rich tributes to the martyrs of the Liberation War by placing wreaths.
As the day progressed, the number of people swelled, transforming the area into a vast sea of individuals, united to show their gratitude to the martyrs.
Since morning, people were seen patiently lined up to approach the altar, each carrying flowers as a symbol of their humble respect and love. The memorial altar is now adorned with flowers.
Tania Akhter, a student, who came to pay her respects at the memorial, said: "The Liberation War is an integral part of us. The nation cannot move forward by denying it. And Victory Day is a day when we can rejuvenate the spirit of the Liberation War. I can cherish it all year round.”
Saiful Islam, a worker at a garment factory in Ashulia, said: "I come here every year with my whole family. A lot of people come here to pay their respects. This is the proof of our love for the freedom fighters.”
Besides common people, politicians, diplomats, social workers, government and non-government employees, artists, intellectuals, and freedom fighters, people came to pay tributes.
The Victory Day is a national holiday. It is celebrated on December 16 every year to commemorate the victory of Bangladesh against the Pakistani occupation forces in the Liberation War in 1971.
The Pakistani occupation army surrendered to the joint forces of Bangladesh and India ending the ninth-month blood-stained Liberation War to make Bangladesh an independent state.
Along with the government, different socio-political, educational and cultural institutions and organizations have chalked out a series of programs to celebrate the day.
