DHAKA: Whole nation is celebrating the 44th Victory Day Tuesday commemorating its cherished triumph in the nine-month bloody war against the Pakistani occupation forces in 1971, and pay rich tributes to three million martyrs for their supreme sacrifice.

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid tributes to the martyrs of the Liberation War by placing floral wreaths at the National Mausoleum in Savar at 6:42am.

Earlier, they arrived at the memorial around 6:30am amid tight security. Law enforcers took three-tire security in the adjoining area. Army personnel, RAB, police and members of intelligence agencies have been deployed to ensure overall security.

They were followed by Raushan Ersahd, opposition leader of the parliament, cabinet members, BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia and different political, social and cultural organisations.

Then freedom fighters, foreign diplomats and people from all walks of life paid her homage to great sons of the country paying rich tributes to the three million martyrs for their supreme sacrifices.

Later, President Abdul Hamid and PM Sheikh Hasina attended the Victory Day parade, began at 10:00am at the National Parade
Square, in participation of freedom fighters, members of armed forces and other law enforcing agencies.

Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television and private radio and television channels aired the parade live from the National Parade Square.

To mark the historic day, people are remembering the valiant sons of the soil, who sacrificed their lives to earn the long cherished independence for their beloved motherland.

The Victory Day is being celebrated across the country and all Bangladeshi missions abroad with a fresh vow to uphold the spirit of the hard-earned independence and democracy.

On December 16 in 1971, the country achieved its independence to emerge as Bangladesh after the nine-month long struggle for national independence.

In this day, the chief of the Pakistani forces, General Amir Aabdullah Khan Niazi along with 93,000 troops, surrendered following a miserable defeat before the joint forces of Mukti and Mitra Bahini, led by General Jagjit Singh Aurora of India, at Ramna Race Course in Dhaka. 

It is also the venue from where the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman asked Bangalees to take all out preparations for independence, saying “with whatever (weapons) you have, fight the enemy”, on Mar 7, 1971 ahead of his final proclamation of independence of Bangladesh on Mar 25 night just before his arrest by Pakistani Military.

In one of the heinous acts of genocide in human history, the Pakistan army and their local collaborators launched a barbarous crackdown killing innocent and unarmed people in the erstwhile East Pakistan at midnight past Mar 25, 1971.

The Jamaat-e-Islami and some Islamist political parties of the time allegedly actively collaborated with the Pakistani forces, raising paramilitary forces such as Razakar, Al-Badr and Al-Shams which took part in the genocide.

The day, which is a public holiday, is heralded with a 31-gun salute at dawn at National Parade Square.

The national flags are being hoisted atop all government, semi-government and other important establishments. Important buildings would be illuminated at night.

The government has taken elaborate programmes to observe the great Victory Day with due respect, enthusiasm and festivities.

The other programmes included hoisting of the national flag, placing wreaths at the National Memorial, discussion meetings and prayer sessions.

People from different social groups and political, cultural, professional and academic organizations and institutions thronged the National Mausoleum in Savar to pay homage to the heroes who embraced martyrdom to liberate the motherland.

Different socio-cultural bodies, including Bangla Academy, Shilpakala Academy, Islamic Foundation and Nazrul Institute, are set to observe various programmes on the day.

Special diets would be served in hospitals, jails and orphanages. Children’s parks remain open.

** President, PM pay homage to martyrs

BDST: 1215HRS, DEC 16, 2014