Celebrating 1971: Bangladesh ready for grand Victory Day celebrations on Monday

Bangladesh is all set to celebrate Victory Day on Monday, December 16, 2024. This is the day the country gained independence in 1971 after a long and bloody war, where three million people sacrificed their lives and countless mothers and sisters endured untold suffering. The celebrations will be filled with programs to honor the martyrs who fought for the nation’s freedom.

To mark the day, the government and various social, political, educational, and cultural organizations have planned a series of events both in Bangladesh and abroad.

The day will start with a 31-gun salute in Dhaka at dawn. After that, President Md. Sahabuddin and Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus will visit the National Memorial in Savar to lay wreaths in honor of the fallen heroes. Families of the Bir Shreshthas, wounded freedom fighters, and other respected freedom fighters will follow, paying their respects.

Foreign diplomats, political and social organizations, and the general public will also visit the National Memorial to lay wreaths and pay tribute to the martyrs.

On Victory Day, the national flag will be raised on all government and private buildings, while key landmarks and streets in Dhaka and other cities will be decorated with flags. Major buildings will be illuminated to celebrate the occasion.

The president and chief adviser will deliver special speeches, and newspapers will publish articles and features to highlight the importance of the day.

Television channels and radio stations will air special programs throughout the month, focusing on stories from the Liberation War.

Social and cultural organizations like the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Bangla Academy, National Museum, Liberation War Museum, and Bangladesh Children‍‍`s Academy will organize various events such as discussions, cultural programs, drawing contests, essay competitions, sports events, and film screenings related to the Liberation War.

In every district and upazila, victory fairs will showcase local and traditional crafts. There will also be special activities for children, including drawing competitions and cultural performances based on the Liberation War. Bangladeshi embassies abroad will hold similar events to mark the significance of the day.

In the afternoon, the president will host a reception at Bangabhaban for the families of the Bir Shreshthas. Other receptions will be held across the country for freedom fighters and the families of martyrs.

To commemorate the occasion, the Bangladesh Postal Service will release a special postage stamp.

Special prayers for the nation’s peace and progress will be held at mosques, temples, churches, and other places of worship. Orphanages, hospitals, old-age homes, and jails will serve special meals to their residents.

Additionally, all children’s parks and museums will offer free entry to the public, and cinemas will show Liberation War-themed films at no cost, making it a day of celebration for everyone across the nation.