Photo: Collected
The nation will celebrate Victory Day today marking the emergence of a sovereign Bangladesh on 16 December 1971 after nine months of bloody War of Liberation.
This year, the nation will observe the day with new vigour and zeal as Bangladesh began again after the toppling of the tyrant regime of Sheikh Hasina on 5 August as most of the countrymen were calling it a "second liberation", half a century after the independence.
To depose the dictator, hundreds of student-people sacrificed their lives, with many remaining wounded.
The nation will take a renewed pledge to translate into reality the hopes and aspirations of the War of Liberation and the dreams of the martyrs who made supreme sacrifices to liberate their motherland from the Pakistan occupation forces in 1971 and this year from the clutches of autocratic rule.
Tens of thousands of people belonging to different social, political, cultural and professional groups are expected to throng the National Martyrs' Memorial at Savar to pay homage to the war heroes.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin is to be the first to offer wreaths at the monument while Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus is to follow him.
A 31-gun salute will herald the Victory Day celebrations. The national flag will be hoisted atop government, semi-government and private offices and autonomous bodies across the country. Important buildings and establishments have been illuminated. Today is a public holiday.
President Shahabuddin urged all concerned to contribute more from their respective positions to build a corruption and exploitation-free country as well as implement the Liberation War goals being imbued with the spirit and values of the anti-discriminatory movement in 2024.
"Contribute more to build a country free of corruption, implement the goals of the Liberation War and establish a society free from exploitation," he said.
Prof Yunus vowed to work together to build a developed, prosperous and well-governed Bangladesh as the interim government had been formed through the mass uprising of the students, workers and people.
Recalling the supreme sacrifices of the brave martyrs of the freedom struggle with due respect, the chief adviser said, "Victory Day is not only our source of pride but also our oath day."
The oath is to remain united, protect the sovereignty of the country and uphold the spirit of the Liberation War, he added.
Messenger/Tushar
