Nation observing 44th Victory Day

Bangladeshi people throng National Mausoleum in Savar, on the outskirts of Dhaka, to pay tributes to the martyrs marking the 44th victory day on December 16, 2014. Photo: Palash Khan

The 44th Victory Day of Bangladesh is being observed today with due solemnity and rich tributes paid to the martyrs of the Liberation War of 1971.

The day commenced with a 31-gun salute followed by rich tributes of President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at National Mausoleum in Savar in the early hours.

A colourful parade heralded the day, which began at 10:00am, in participation of freedom fighters, members of armed forces and other law enforcing agencies.

President Abdul Hamid attended the parade at the National Parade Square as chief guest. Premier Hasina is attended as a special guest.

Pakistan General Niazi surrender to joint forces’ Commander Jagjit Singh Aurora on December 16, 1971 at Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka.

On this day back in 1971, East Pakistan, under leadership of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, won its emancipation and emerged as an independent state, Bangladesh.

General AAK Niazi, who commanded Pakistan army, surrendered with 93,000 soldiers to the allied forces of freedom fighters and Indian army at Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka following defeat in the nine-month war that broke out in March.

Three million people sacrificed their lives for freedom while two lakh women fell victim to torture, including rape, by the occupation forces and their local collaborators like Razakars, Al-Badar and Al-Shams.

The government and various political, social and cultural organisations have drawn up elaborate programmes, including discussion, rally, procession, drama and Jatra (folk theatre), photo exhibition, painting competition and cultural function to mark the day.

President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia in separate messages have greeted the nation on the auspicious occasion.