The nation is set to celebrate today the 43rd anniversary of its glorious victory over the Pakistani occupation forces, pledging to establish a non-communal, prosperous and democratic Bangladesh with the spirit of the Liberation War. 

People across the country and the Bangladesh missions abroad will celebrate the Victory Day by paying homage to the martyrs for their supreme sacrifice for the long-cherished independence of the homeland.

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

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

Three million people sacrificed their lives for freedom while two lakh women fell victim to physical 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.

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

The day will be heralded by a 31-gun salute at dawn at the National Parade Ground.

The president and the prime minister will lay wreaths at the National Memorial in Savar at dawn, followed by other political, social and cultural organisations and individuals.

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 programmes while the newspapers will bring out special supplements on the occasion.