Victory Day today Staff Correspondent

National Mausoleum at Savar

Today is a happy event for the entire nation as the glorious Bangalees got their long-cherished victory in 1971 after
fighting back against Pakistani hyaenas and freed the country from their cruel clutches.
On this day in 1971, barbaric Pakistani army stood before heroic Bangalees by keeping their heads down and laying
down their arms and signed the instrument of surrender leading to the Caesarean birth of Bangladesh.
And the newborn Bangladesh emerged as an independent and sovereign state on the world map.
The nation celebrates 44th Victory Day amid high expectations for the execution of verdicts on war-crime convicts and
a renewed pledge to make the country a prosperous and peaceful abode for people of all denominations through
realising the objectives of the nine blood-drenched months of the war.
As the people celebrate the anniversary of victory as all roads now lead to the National Mausoleum to pay their
glowing tributes to the national heroes who had laid down lives for the motherland.
The occupation forces surrendered to the allied forces of the Indian army and freedom fighters at historic racecourse
(now Suhrawardy Udyan) in Dhaka.
The day will be heralded by a 31-gun salute at dawn.
Today is a public holiday.
The government, political parties, socio-cultural organisations and educational institutions have chalked up elaborate
programmes to celebrate the special day achieved through the supreme sacrifices by some three million people.
President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Raushan Ershad
have issued separate messages on this occasion, urging the people to work for fortifying sovereignty.
The national flag will be hoisted atop all public and private buildings.
The president and the premier will place wreaths at the memorial in Savar.
Main opposition Jatiya Party and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia will also place wreaths there.
In a message, President Hamid called upon the people, irrespective of party affiliations, to contribute more from their
respective position to building the country upholding the objectives and spirit of the war.
It is my aspiration that with the concerted efforts of all, Bangladesh will turn into a happy and prosperous Sonar
Bangla, he mentioned.
Hamid also extended deep gratitude to the valiant freedom fighters, organisers and supporters of the liberation war and
the people from all social strata for their direct and indirect contributions to achieving victory.
On the 43rd anniversary of victory, the premier urged the countrymen to get involved in the ongoing development

works and save democracy imbued with the spirit of the 1971 war. Lets develop the country and save democracy
imbued with the spirit of victory.
Newspapers will publish special supplements and radio and television channels air special programmes, highlighting
the significance of the day in national life.
Special prayers will be offered at mosques, temples, churches, pagodas and other places of worship to seek divine
blessings for peace and progress of the country.
A childrens rally will be held at Bangabandhu National Stadium and destitute children be allowed to visit Shishu Park
(childrens park) in the capital for free.
Improved diet will be served in jails, hospitals, orphanages and vagrants homes across the country.
Thoroughfares and traffic islands in the capital have been decorated with miniatures of the national flag and major
government buildings illuminated.
The ruling party, Awami League, has drawn up programmes to mark the day.
The national and party flags will be flown at the AL offices across the country, including Bangabandhu Avenue and
Bangabhaban.
Other programmes include placing wreaths at National Memorial in the early hours, paying tributes to the portrait of
the father of the nation at Bangabandhu Bhaban and offering munajat and milad mehfil at the mazar of Bangabandhu in
Tungipara, Gopalganj.
Besides, AL leaders and activists and other front organisations will gather in processions at Suhrawardy Udyan and pay
respects to Shikha Anirban. .....