Bangladesh celebrated its 54th Victory Day on Monday, marking the nation's birth through the sacrifices of three million martyrs and the resilience of countless mothers and sisters, with various commemorative programs.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin paid glowing tributes to the martyrs of the Liberation War at the National Martyrs' Memorial in Savar, located on the outskirts of the capital, with the sun rising.
After placing the wreath, President Shahabuddin stood in solemn silence for a while to pay respects to the brave martyrs of the Liberation War in 1971.
During the ceremony, a smartly turned out contingent of the Bangladesh Army, Navy and Air Force saluted the president and presented a guard of honour.
Besides, the president and First Lady Dr Rebeka Sultana hosted a reception at Bangabhaban marking Victory Day.
The event was attended by a diverse gathering of distinguished guests, including Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed, members of the council of advisers, and ambassadors and high commissioners from various countries.
In addition, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and East Timor President José Ramos-Horta placed wreaths at the National Martyrs' Memorial to honour the country's freedom fighters.
Yunus said Victory Day is not only a source of pride but also an “oath day.”
"The oath is to remain united, protect the sovereignty of the country, and uphold the spirit of the Liberation War," he said in a message on the occasion of Victory Day.
Yunus remembered the brave martyrs of the freedom struggle with respect and honoured their sacrifices.
Along with the government, different socio-political, educational and cultural institutions celebrated the day with a series of programs.
Victory Day was celebrated in the divisional city and the district with a renewed pledge to build a happy, prosperous and non-communal Bangladesh with the spirit of the Liberation War.
Under the guidance of the relevant ministry's adviser, families of the nation’s highest war heroes, wounded freedom fighters and other distinguished veterans of the Liberation War paid heartfelt tributes.
Foreign diplomats based in Bangladesh, along with political and social organizations, as well as the general public, also laid wreaths in honour of the martyrs.
Main streets and roundabouts in Dhaka and other cities were adorned with national flags.
Bangladesh embassies abroad also undertook similar programs highlighting the significance of the day.
The day is a public holiday. National dailies published special supplements on the occasion.
State-owned and private television channels and radios are broadcasting month-long special programs highlighting the significance of the Liberation War.
On this occasion, various social and cultural organizations, including the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Bangla Academy, National Museum, Liberation War Museum and Bangladesh Children's Academy, organized discussions, cultural programs, drawing competitions, essay writing contests, sports events and screenings of Liberation War-related documentaries.
Victory fairs showcasing local and indigenous crafts were organized in all districts and upazilas throughout the country.
Religious institutions arranged special prayers and services for the peace and progress of the country.
Special meals were served at orphanages, old age homes, hospitals, jails, government children's homes and similar institutions.
All children's parks and museums across the country were opened to the public free of charge, while Liberation War-based films were screened at cinemas without entry fees.
