Victory Day today

Dated 16th December /08

S lide showThe streets around Bangabandhu National Stadium in the capital is decorated
with small national flags ahead of the Victory Day programmes at the stadium. Photo: Anisur Rahman

The nation today celebrates the 37th anniversary of its glorious victory over the Pakistani occupation forces after nine-month-long Liberation War amid calls for boycotting the war criminals in the upcoming parliamentary election.

The people imbued with the spirit of the Liberation War in 1971 will pay homage to the three million martyrs for their supreme sacrifice for the long-cherished independence of the homeland.

On this day in 1971, the nation under the leadership of the father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman achieved its final victory over the occupation forces with a vision of establishing a democratic and secular country.

General AAK Niazi, who commanded the Pakistani occupation forces, surrendered to the allied forces of Bangladeshi freedom fighters and Indian forces at Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka this day with 93,000 soldiers following a miserable defeat in the war that broke out in March.

President Iajuddin Ahmed and the leaders of the two major political parties in separate messages greeted the nation on the occasion.

"On this auspicious day of victory, let it be our pledge that we should put our best endeavour to expedite the overall development as well as democratic advancement of the country," said the president.

Awami League President Sheikh Hasina urged the people to be inspired with the spirit of the liberation war again to fight out the 'dark forces.'

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia in her message said it is crucial for the nation to be united to protect the country's independence, sovereignty, democracy and also the fundamental and human rights.

Various socio-political organizations have taken up programmers to mark the day.

Special prayers will be offered at mosques, temples, churches and other religious institutions seeking divine blessings for peace and progress of the country.

State-run Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar along with private TV channels and radio stations will broadcast special programmers while the newspapers will bring out special supplements on the occasion.

The day will be heralded by a 31-gun salute at dawn.

Today is a public holiday. The national flag will be hoisted atop all government, semi-government and other important establishments.

Around 7,000 law enforcers including members of police and Rab will remain vigilant at various places in the capital and the National Memorial at Savar to ensure that the Victory Day programmes are held peacefully.

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