Elaborate events chalked to observe Victory Day today

Imbued with the spirit of independence, different government, political, social and cultural organisations will celebrate the country's 44th Victory Day today.

Many youths in Old Dhaka were seen painting walls, and making Smriti Shoudho replicas to celebrate the victory of the nine-month war for independence in which about three million people sacrificed their lives and over three lakh women fell victim to torture, including rape by the Pakistani occupation forces and their local collaborators like Razakars, Al-Badr and Al-Shams.       

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

The government and various political, social and cultural organisations have drawn up elaborate programmes, including discussions, rallies, processions, dramas and Jatra (folk theatre), photo exhibitions, painting competitions and cultural events to mark the day.

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

The national flag will be hoisted atop all government, semi-government and other important establishments.

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

The president and the prime minister, followed by other individuals and organisations, will place wreaths at the Jatiya Smriti Shoudho in Savar at dawn. 

Terming the day the greatest pride for the Bangalee Nation to celebrate Victory Day today, Sheikh Hasina, in her message, called upon all to come forward and uphold Bangladesh's development and democratic process.

Abdul Hamid asked all to contribute more from their respective positions to realise the spirit and objectives of the Liberation War.

The ruling Awami League will bring out a colourful Victory Day procession this afternoon. The rally will start from Suhrawardy Udyan and end at Bangabandhu Bhaban at Dhanmondi-32.

BNP will also bring out a Victory Day procession from its Nayapaltan office. It will end at Malibagh.

The Ministry of Liberation War Affairs along with Bangladesh Police jointly organised a three-day long exhibition with 71 photos depicting the brutality of the Pakistani occupation forces on the people of Bangladesh during the war.

Bangla Academy has organised a discussion and cultural programme at 4:00pm.

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) will organise a reception and a reunion of freedom fighters at Bangabandhu National Stadium at 11:00am.

Dhaka University and Chhayanat have organised Bijoy Utshab at the Central Playing Field on the campus.

Bangladesh National Museum will organise a special discussion titled "Guerrilla Operation of 1971's Dhaka".

Physicians of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University will place wreaths at the Mural of the Father of the Nation at 6:30am.

Bangladesh Tourism Corporation has organised a cultural programme to observe the day.