Nation celebrates Victory Day today

The nation is set to celebrate the 47th Victory Day today (Saturday) with due festivity, much enthusiasm, fanfare and a fresh vow to uphold the spirit of the War of Liberation.
On this day in 1971, Bangladesh emerged as an independent country after around nine months of war under the leadership of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Three million people sacrificed their lives for freedom while two lakh women fell victim to physical torture, including rape by the Pakistani occupation forces and their local collaborators like Razakars, Al-Badar and Al-Shams.
Apart from celebrating the day, the nation will pay rich tributes to the martyrs, who made supreme sacrifice for freeing the country from the misrule and occupation of the Pakistani ruler.
This year, the celebration has reached a new height following the UNESCO's recognition of Bangabandhu's historic March 7 Speech as part of the world's documentary heritage.
Different socio-cultural and political organisations have chalked out a series of  programmes to celebrate the nation's glorious victory over the Pakistani occupation army.
The government and various socio-cultural and political organisations have drawn up elaborate programmes, including discussion, rally, procession, drama and Jatra (folk theatre), photo exhibition, painting competition, screening of documentary, blood donation and cultural function to mark the day.
The day will be heralded with a 31-gun salute at dawn. President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will pay homage to the martyrs of the Liberation War by placing wreaths at the National Memorial for Martyrs at Savar at dawn, followed by the family members of Bir Shresthas, freedom fighters, foreign diplomats, different political and socio-cultural organisations and individuals.
A colourful parade will be held at the National Parade Square with the participation of armed forces. The President will take salute as chief guest at the parade. The Prime Minister will present there.
The Prime Minister will pay tribute to the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman by placing wreath at his portrait in front of Bangabandhu Bhaban at Dhanmondi in the city.
Awami League and its associate bodies, different educational institutes and socio-cultural and professional organisations will also pay homage to the supreme leader of the War of Liberation by placing wreaths at his portrait.
Bangladesh Awami League will hoist national and party flags atop Bangabandhu Bhaban, party central office and all offices of the party across the country in the morning.
Later, the leaders of the party will pay tributes to the martyrs by placing wreaths at Savar National Memorial around 6:30 am. They will also place wreaths at the portrait of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in front of Bangabandhu Bhaban at Dhanmondi at 8:00am and on the grave of Bangabandhu at Tungipara in Gopalganj at 10:00 am.
The party will also pay tribute to the martyrs at Shikha Chirantan at 3:00pm at Suhrawardy Udyan where the commander of Pakistan occupation army, General AAK Niazi, and his 93,000 soldiers surrendered to the allied forces of freedom fighters and Indian army on December 16 in 1971. Later, the party will took out a Bijoy (victory) procession towards Dhanmondi.
To mark the day, AL will hold a discussion at 3:00pm at Bangabandhu International Conference Center on December 17. Awami League President Sheikh Hasina is expected to chair the discussion.
On December 18, a cultural function will be arranged by the party at Rabindra Sarobar in the city. Noted singers of the country will perform at the function.
The day is a public holiday. The national flag will be hoisted atop government, semi-government and private offices as well as offices of the autonomous bodies across the country.
Important buildings and establishments will be illuminated at night. Important roads and road islands will be decorated with miniature national flag and colourful festoons.
The President and the Prime Minister issued separate messages on the occasion. Besides, Leader of the Opposition Raushan Ershad and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia issued separate messages.
National dailies published special supplements. The state-owned Bangladesh Betar and Television and private television channels and radios will broadcast month-long special programmes highlighting the Liberation War.
To mark the Victory Day, Dhaka University based various organisation have drawn up programmes that started at TSC on December 14 and will end today. Dhaka Reporters Unity, National Press Club will also celebrate the Victory Day.
Reception will be accorded to freedom fighters and the family members of martyrs in cities, districts and upazilas.
Special prayers will be offered at mosques and other places of worship, seeking salvation of the souls of the martyrs of the Liberation War and peace, progress and prosperity of the country.
Improved diets will be served in jails, hospitals, orphanages and vagrant homes across the country.
Bangladesh missions abroad will observe the day through different programmes.