Published : 16 Dec 2025, 03:35 PM
Updated : 28 Aug 2026, 01:30 AM
Before dawn broke through the winter fog, the silence was broken by the crowds gathering at the National Memorial in Savar.
As the sun rose on the 54th anniversary of Bangladesh’s victory in the Liberation War, they came with flowers in hand to mark the memory of the brave martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country.
More gathered at the historic location as the day wore in.
As soon as the security cordon for state leaders was relaxed in the early hours, the entire premises grew lively with all who gathered together to pay their respects.
Since 7:30am on Tuesday, a stream of people of different ages, classes, professions came to the National Memorial. They carried flags and flowers. The clothing of many of them reflected the red and the green colours of the nation. All of those who came to celebrate this most glorious day in Bangladesh’s history seemed to have come together.
On Mar 25, 1971, the Pakistani Army began a genocide through “Operation Searchlight”, leading to the start of the Liberation War. Bangladesh’s final victory in that war came on Dec 16.
That day, the Pakistani Army surrendered to the joint leadership of the Mukti Bahini and the Eastern Army Command of India at the Race Course (now Suhrawardy Udyan) Maidan in Dhaka.
As dawn broke on the 54th anniversary of Victory Day, President Md Shahabuddin and Chief Advisor of the Interim Government Muhammad Yunus paid tribute to the martyrs at a state event. A group from the armed forces provided a guard of honour.
After the state tribute, a moment of silence was observed at the memorial, and a mournful tune was played on the bugle. The deep respect for the departed and the strength of emotion at the memorial were apparent.
Once diplomats and other VIPs finished paying their respects, the security cordon was relaxed and the memorial was opened to the general public. Political parties, socio-cultural organizations, and various government and non-government organisations came to present their tributes.
Many came alone. Others brought their families. Parents, holding the hands of their children, explained to them the history and significance of the Liberation War.
Small children could be seen carrying national flags or with the flag painted on their faces.
Educational institutions, professional organisations, working people, and cultural activists came in groups under different banners to present floral tributes to the martyrs.
Sohel Rahman, a resident of Savar who visited the memorial, said: "When you stand in this place, 1971 comes to mind. Being able to pay tribute to those who liberated the country with their lives is the most important part of the day."
A group of people came to pay their respects under the banner of Gonoshasthaya Kendra early in the day. Among them was Shafiq Ahmed, who brought his 5-year-old child.
He had left home early to present flowers at the memorial alongside his child.
He said, "The new generation should not just be taught the story of the Liberation War in books. We try to take our children to different programmes and events centring the Liberation War. We must teach the new generation the great value of independence."
As the day progresses, the crowd grew larger. After paying their tributes, many toured the memorial premises.
Strict security measures have been taken in the National Memorial area for Victory Day. In addition to the deployment of police, Rapid Action Battalion and Ansar personnel, various law-enforcing agencies also have people in plainclothes in the area.
To ensure security, checkpoints have been set up in nearby areas and traffic has been regulated since the night. Volunteer teams are on duty round the clock to ensure visitors can move freely.
Dhaka Range Deputy Inspector Geneal Rezaul Karim Mallick said that more than 4,000 police personnel are on duty to bolster the security around the National Memorial.
A festive atmosphere for Victory Day celebrations can be felt in the area, centred around the memorial. Songs from the Liberation War period are playing on speakers and banners and festoons colour the scene with red and green.
The excitement of the crowd is palpable around the memorial. Pride gleams in their eyes. On Victory Day, the National Memorial becomes a living testament to the history, emotions, and gratitude of an entire nation.
