This year's Victory Day will be celebrated in a different context following the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. The government has taken an initiative to involve the common people of the country in celebrating the day with due dignity. For that purpose, the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs has also taken up various programs.
The allocation for the grand event has also been increased almost threefold. At the same time, it has been decided to felicitate the living freedom fighters in the districts and upazilas. Those concerned say that this year, instead of confining the celebrations to just a group or a single family, the entire public will be involved in it. For this reason, this year a Victory Day fair or "Bijoy Mela" will also be organized.
This year, the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs has increased the budget for the celebration to Tk9.21 crore. Separate allocations have also been made to districts and upazilas. The government has allocated Tk75,000 to each upazila and Tk1 lakh to each district. The Ministry of Liberation War Affairs has decided to hold a formal press conference today to inform everyone regarding the changes.
Five committees formed
The Ministry of Liberation War Affairs has already instructed all the district administrators and Upazila Nirbahi Officers to take proper measures ahead of the day. According to ministry sources, the ministry will play the role of coordinator in undertaking necessary activities to implement the programs properly. Two committees and three sub-committees have been formed to implement the programs.
Programs to begin on Martyred Intellectuals' Day
It has been learned that black flags will be hoisted atop all government and private buildings on Martyred Intellectuals' Day on December 14. On this day, the national flag will be at half-mast. The President and the Chief Advisor will lay wreaths at the Martyred Intellectuals' Memorial in Mirpur at sunrise. They will then go to the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial in Rayer Bazar. On December 16, the national flag of Bangladesh will be hoisted atop all government and private buildings and at Bangladesh embassies and missions abroad.
This year no parade will take place at circuit houses across the country. Instead, Victory Day fairs will be held where people from all walks of life will participate.
Preparations underway at National Memorial in Savar
The authorities have banned public entry to the National Memorial in Savar for eight days. A notice in this regard states that on the occasion of Victory Day 2024, the National Memorial will be closed to all types of visitors from Sunday to December 15 for cleanliness and security reasons. These decisions were taken at an inter-ministerial meeting held recently.
On the other hand, a painting competition and cultural program will be organized for children to mark the occasion. The Bangladesh Navy and Coast Guard will undertake various programs to mark the day as well.
In addition, sports events with the participation of students of their respective educational institutions will be held across the country. Programs based on the glorious history of the Liberation War will be broadcast on various private radio and TV channels, including Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar, on the occasion of Victory Day. Film screenings are also being organized in cinema halls in the district and upazila levels.
Special prayers
To mark the day, special prayers will be offered in all mosques, temples, churches, pagodas and other places of worship, seeking forgiveness for the departed souls of the martyred freedom fighters. Special food will be provided to all hospitals, prisons, old age homes, orphanages, day care and child development centers.
In response to a question, Adviser to the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs Faruq-e-Azam said: “Victory Day is not just the achievement of a group or a family. It is everyone's. Arrangements will be made to exhibit arts, crafts and locally produced industrial products at Victory Day fairs across the country.”
“I have also given necessary instructions to all DCs and UNOs of the country to implement this decision. The necessary funds have been allocated for this and those funds have been released,” he added.
