President takes salute at Victory Day parade

President Md Abdul Hamid took the salute from the armed forces at the National Parade Grounds on the 43rd anniversary of Bangladesh’s victory over Pakistan on Tuesday.

A contingent of freedom fighters, armed forces, security forces and various ministries of the government showcased their achievements at the colourful Victory Day Parade at the Sher-e-Bangla Nagar.

Bangladesh Television aired the programme live from the parade grounds.

Earlier, on his arrival around 10am, president was received at the parade ground by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Minister for Liberation War Affairs AKM Mozammel Haque, and chiefs of the three services of the armed forces.

Army, Navy, Air Forces, BNCC, BGB, Police, RAB, Ansar, VDP, Coast Guard, Fire Service and Civil Defence Force participated in the parade, organised by the 9th Infantry Division of the army.

President inspected the parade and took the salute. AKM Mozammel Haque and chiefs of the three services of the armed forces were with him at the podium.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, Chief Justice Md Muzammel Hossain, Deputy Speaker Fazle Rabbi Miah, PM’s Special Envoy Hussein Muhammad Ershad, Opposition Leader Raushan Ershad, members of the Cabinet, MPs, senior officials of the armed forces, foreign dignitaries and prominent citizens were present.

A 17-member Indian contingent led by Lt General (retired) Anand Swarup, who took part in the 1971 Liberation War of Bangladesh, was also present.

Thousands of people from various walks of life enjoyed the two-hour long spectacular parade.

A huge portrait of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was placed near the podium. Beside it were the portraits of four national leaders, president and prime minister.

GOC of the 9th Infantry Division’s Maj Gen Waqar uz Zaman commanded this year’s parade.

The new addition to Bangladesh Army -- Multiple Launch Rocket System, MBT-2000 tank, self-propelled gun, armoured light vehicle and weapon-locating radar SLC-2 and new addition to Bangladesh Navy -- defender class boat, and new addition to Air Force-- surface-to-air missile-- were put on display during this year’s parade.

A national flag of 200 feet long and 120 feet wide was also displayed.

Later Army Aviation, Navy Aviation and RAB took part in the fly-past. Apart from this, display of Air Forces also enthralled the audience.

Air Force’s MIG-29 gave “flying salute” to the president while its F-7 BG greeted him by blowing red and green smoke.

Parachute jump with national flag was one of the prime attractions of this year’s V-Day parade. There was also an exhibition of various activities of different ministries.

The parade ended with the salute from combined musical band in which 716 band players participated.

At the end of the parade, president exchanged greetings with the contingent commandants.