Bangladesh celebrating victory over Pakistanis in 1971

Bangladesh is celebrating the 43rd anniversary of its victory from Pakistan through a nine-month long bloody war that left three million people dead.

The nation on Tuesday is remembering the sacrifices of the gallant souls who laid down their lives for its independence.

The war that started at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's call ended with the Pakistan army's surrender on Dec 16, 1971 at the Race Course Maidan (now Suhrawardy Udyan) in Dhaka.

The day’s programmes began with 31 gun salute at the National Parade Ground at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar.

It followed by paying tributes to the martyrs at the National Memorial at Savar, whose architect Syed Mainul Hossain passed away last month.

President Md Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid there homage to war heroes at the memorial around 6.30am. They placed floral wreaths, which was followed by a guard of honour presented by a smartly turned out contingent of the three armed services.

Later, Sheikh Hasina placed wreath for the second time on behalf of the Awami League. Several AL front group leaders followed to pay their respects.

After that, Speaker Shirin Shramin Chaudhary, Deputy Speaker Fazle Rabbi Mia, Leader of the Opposition Raushan Ershad, Jatiya Party chief HM Ershad and diplomats of different countries paid their respects.
The Memorial was then opened for all.

Thousands gathered at the Memorial to honour the heroes, who gave their lives for to free the country from the Pakistani occupation forces in 1971.
The Memorial was covered with floral wreaths placed by several political parties, social and cultural organisations, and ordinary citizens.

The Victory Day parade will be held at the National Parade Grounds and armed forces will perform various drills.

President Hamid will attend the parade as the chief guest and accept the salute. The prime minister, too, will be present there.

The day is a national holiday in Bangladesh.

The national flag will be hoisted atop government, semi- government, autonomous and private offices across the country.

Important buildings and establishments would be illuminated at night.

Key roads and road islands have already been decorated with national flags and colourful festoons.

Special prayers will be offered in mosques, temples, pagodas and other places of worship seeking peace, progress and prosperity.

Newspapers are publishing special supplements marking the day and televisions and radios, too, will air special programmes.