Victory Day celebrated nationwide with solemn tribute

Bangladesh marked Victory Day on Tuesday (December 16) with nationwide celebrations honouring the sacrifices of 1971’s freedom fighters.

In Dhaka, the day began with 31 gun salutes, as thousands gathered at the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar, carrying flowers, banners, and wreaths to pay tribute.

President Md. Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, laid wreaths at the memorial. The ceremony featured flag hoisting, state honours, and parades by the Army, Navy, and Air Force, while commemorative stamps, first-day covers, and special postmarks were unveiled.

Families of war heroes, wounded freedom fighters, diplomats, political and social organizations, and ordinary citizens joined the tributes. Leaders of BNP and the National Citizens’ Party also paid respects at the memorial. Homages were offered at the Razarbagh Police Memorial to fallen police and military personnel.

Across the country, government, semi-government, and private institutions, along with embassies and missions, observed the day with flag hoisting, lighting displays, parades, and fly-pasts.

The Ministry of Liberation War Affairs organised a three-day Victory Fair. Schools hosted flag-raising ceremonies, cultural programmes, recitations, essay and art competitions, and screenings of films and documentaries depicting the Liberation War.

Places of worship, including mosques, temples, churches, and pagodas, held prayers for the departed souls of martyrs and national progress. Hospitals, prisons, orphanages, rehabilitation centers, and care facilities also marked the day with special events and meals.