Hundreds of children from across the country took part in a spectacular march and displayed choreographed physical exercises at the Bangabandhu National Stadium.

People from all walks of life paid homage to the martyrs of the Liberation War at the National Memorial in Savar. In the capital, thousands thronged the Dhaka University campus where most of the cultural programmes took place. Sammilita Sangskritik Jote brought out a colourful victory rally from the Fine Arts Institute.

Doli Ferdous and her husband Albert Khan brought their two sons in green and red outfit to the campus. The family was carrying a banner with the message "We want a Rajakar-free country". "I want my sons to know about the spirit of the victory," said Ferdous. "Recent political turmoil has blemished the country's image. After several spells of blockade we thought this would be the perfect day for a family outing."

The weeklong military hardware exhibition at the National Parade Square was a huge attraction for the city people. Electrician Md Mustafiz decided not to go to work today. He brought his two children to the exhibition. "So many programmes are taking place in the city. I did not go to work today because my children want to join the festivity."

For the first time in nation's history, street children participated in the Victory Day celebrations. They took part in the parade at the Bangabandhu National Stadium. The Ministry of Social Welfare and UNDP arranged their participation under their project titled Resources for Improving Street Children's Environment. In the afternoon they also performed in a cultural show in the city's Karwan Bazar area.

Liberation War Museum, Bangla Academy, Shilpakala Academy and Shishu Academy organised separate cultural functions, film shows, painting competitions and other programmes in the capital that attracted huge crowd.

However, the ongoing political crisis haunts the jubilant people despite the festivity all around. Afroza Ahmed accompanying her granddaughter at the Bangladesh Shishu Academy said, "Political leaders should forget whatever differences they have and work for a solution that will serve the country and its people."

Rita, a class VII student of Ideal School, said, "I wasn't there when they [freedom fighters] fought for the nation. I heard stories of the Liberation War and the Victory Day from my grandparents. Today I'm here to express my gratitude to the martyrs who laid down their lives for independence," she said.

Tea vendor Sulaiman at the Central Shaheed Minar area said, "I don't know much about the Liberation War. I sell more tea during Victory Day or any other days like this."