Bangladesh to forgo Victory Day parade for second year

There is no possibility of unrest on Victory Day following the death sentence verdict against Sheikh Hasina, Jahangir Alam Chowdhury says

Bangladesh is set to mark Victory Day without a military parade for the second year in a row under the interim government.

Home Affairs Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury announced the development after a meeting on the security preparations surrounding Victory Day at the Secretariat on Wednesday.

The parade, which features personnel from all three branches of the Armed Forces, is typically held at the old airport in the capital's Agargaon. However, it was cancelled last year as well after the interim government took office.

Noting that the day marking Pakistan’s surrender in the 1971 Liberation War will be celebrated as it has been in the past, he said: "In fact, this time, it will be celebrated more extensively. There was no parade last time, and there will be no parade this time either."

In response to a question, he said that no unrest has arisen since ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina was sentenced to death by a tribunal over crimes against humanity, and he sees no possibility of any unrest on Victory Day either.

The advisor was also asked about the late-night arrest of journalist Mizanur Rahman Sohel, the online head of Dainik Bhorer Kagoj newspaper, who was allegedly apprehended from his home by members of the Detective Branch (DB) and detained overnight before being released around dawn on Wednesday.

“This is the first I am hearing of it. I can say more after an investigation,” said Jahangir.

Regarding the security meeting, he said: "Victory Day events are organised by the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs. The ministry has already held its meeting. Today, we have discussed how we will carry out the responsibilities given by the liberation war ministry."