The nation is celebrating the 53rd Victory Day of Bangladesh on Saturday (December 16) with due solemnity and rich tributes paid to the martyrs of the Liberation War of 1971.

After a nine-month-long war against Pakistan Army, the valiant sons of the soil liberated the country on this day.

The day is a public holiday.

On December 16 in 1971, Bangladesh was born as an independent country under the leadership of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at the cost of supreme sacrifice of three million people and the honour of nearly half a million women.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid homage to the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War by placing wreaths at the National Memorial in Savar this morning.

The head of the state placed a wreath at the altar of the National Memorial around 6:30am followed by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

After placing the wreaths, they stood in solemn silence for a while as a mark of deep respect for the martyrs of the Liberation War in 1971.

A contingent drawn from the Bangladesh Army, the Navy and the Air Force presented the state salute on the occasion as the bugles played the last post.

Flanked by senior leaders of the Awami League, Hasina, the president of the ruling party, laid another wreath at the National Memorial as the party chief.

They were followed by the family members of Bir Sreshthos, wounded freedom fighters and other valiant freedom fighters.

Later, foreign diplomats, leaders of different political and social organisations and people from all walks of life placed wreaths to pay homage to the martyrs.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin and his wife Dr Rebecca Sultana will host a reception at Bangabhaban on Victory Day marking the country's 53rd Victory Day.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Jatiya Sangsad (JS) Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan and other dignitaries are expected to join the reception on the lawn of the Bangabhaban at about 5:30pm on the day.

National dailies bring out special supplements highlighting the significance of the day while electronic media broadcast month-long special programmes based on the Liberation War.

Different social and cultural organisations including Bangladesh Awami League, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Bangla Academy, National Museum, Liberation War Museum, Bangladesh Shishu Academy are organising Liberation War-based discussions, cultural events and drawing, essay and sports competitions for children and display Liberation War-related documentaries.

Special prayers will be offered at mosques and other places of worship, seeking eternal peace in the souls of martyrs of the Liberation War and peace, progress and prosperity of the country.

BDST: 0858 HRS, DEC 16, 2023
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