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| Bangladesh |
| Victory Day celebrated |
| 2009-12-17 |
| [Bangla Daily Star] The nation yesterday celebrated 38 years of victory in the Liberation War, 1971, saluting the gallant sons and daughters of the soil who made supreme sacrifices for self-determination and a secular democratic state. Enthusiastic with the spirit of independence, people of all walks across the country gathered at the memorials of the martyrs. They paid tributes to the war heroes amid calls for the young generation to bring positive changes to the nation. They also demanded a quick start of the trial of war criminals. Bangladesh missions abroad and expatriates celebrated the Victory Day paying homage to three million martyrs in the War of Independence. On this day in 1971, the nation under the leadership of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman won victory over Pakistani occupation forces after nine months of bloodshed. General AAK Niazi, chief of the Pakistani occupation forces, surrendered to the allied forces of Bangladesh and India at Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka on December 16 with 93,000 soldiers following their defeat in the war that broke out in March, 1971. The day was a public holiday. The national flag was hoisted atop all government, semi-government and other important establishments. The day was heralded by a 31-gun salute at dawn. The whole country was in a festive mood yesterday. The National Mausoleum at Savar drew people of all ages and religions. Thoroughfares and road dividers were decorated with miniature flags and bunting while some government buildings were illuminated. Many vehicle owners also sported the flag on their automobiles. President Zillur Rahman laid a wreath at the National Mausoleum to pay homage to the Liberation War martyrs. He stood there for a few moments in silence. Ministers, advisers, deputy speaker, state ministers, chiefs of three services, diplomats, freedom fighters and senior civil and military officials, among others, were present on the occasion. Leaders of different political parties including the ruling Awami League and main opposition BNP, different socio-cultural organisations, rights groups, professionals' associations, educational institutions, and a cross-section of people placed wreaths at the mausoleum. The president later inaugurated the Victory Day rally and parade of children and juveniles at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in the city. In the afternoon, President Zillur Rahman hosted a reception at Bangabhaban where he exchanged greetings with war-wounded freedom fighters, war heroes, cabinet members, advisers, foreign diplomats, chiefs of three forces, political leaders, top civil and military officials and other eminent personalities. To mark the occasion, newspapers published special supplements; television channels broadcast talk shows, cultural programmes and dramas. Special prayers for martyrs were offered in the mosques, temples and churches. |
| Posted by:Fred |