DHAKA: The national anthem of Bangladesh “Amar Sonar Bangla…” was sung at 4:31pm on Tuesday marking country’s 44th Victory Day.

Earlier on the Independence Day, March 26, Bangladeshi people made a world record by singing country’s national anthem, together with the participation of the largest gathering.

Today’s National Anthem singing event was held in city’s Suhrawardy Udyan. Besides, several programs have been chalked out across the country to celebrate the day.

However, the Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University, AAMS Arefin Siddique, inaugurated a program around 1:15pm on this occasion.

After that an oath taking program was conducted by chief advisor of the national committee for celebration victory day Journalist Abdul Gaffar Choudhury.

Thereafter, the chorus singing of national anthem started at 4:31pm.

The entire area sparkled with colorful lights, walls got painted with victory day messages and illustrations, and the sculptures on campus donned a fresh look.

Victory Day celebration will end with the event of ‘Concert for Freedom’ being followed by the presentations of the Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra artistes and fireworks, said the committee convener Dr Abul Barkat.

Forty three years back on this day, Bangladesh achieved independence from Pakistan occupation winning a bloody battle of nine months.

Three million people sacrificed their lives for the independence while a total of two lakh women irrespective of their age and religious identities also became victims of physical torture including rape by the Pakistani occupation forces and their local collaborating fronts like Razakars, Al-Badar, and Al-Shams during the war.

** World to Sing Bangladesh Nat’l Anthem at 4:31pm

BDST: 1720 HRS, DEC 16, 2014