National Martyrs' Memorial transformed for observing Victory Day
Deputy Inspector General of Police (Dhaka Range) Rezaul Karim Mallik said that a comprehensive four-tier security arrangement has been put in place to ensure a safe and orderly observance
With Victory Day just hours away, the National Martyrs' Memorial in Savar has been brought to full readiness as people from all walks of life prepare to pay tribute to the nation's martyrs of the Liberation War.
A visit to the memorial premises on 13 December showed that wide-ranging preparations had been completed ahead of the national observance.
Deputy Inspector General of Police (Dhaka Range) Rezaul Karim Mallik said at a press briefing that day that a comprehensive four-tier security arrangement has been put in place to ensure a safe and orderly observance.
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"Law enforcement personnel, both in uniform and plain clothes, have been deployed to ensure security, while adequate traffic police have been stationed along the highway from Aminbazar to the memorial to maintain smooth vehicular movement," he said.
"More than 4,000 police personnel will be on duty throughout the day, and surveillance has been intensified to prevent members of banned organisations and extremist elements from entering the memorial premises."
Confirming that all arrangements had been completed, Anwar Khan Anu, sub-assistant engineer of the Savar Public Works Department and in-charge of the National Martyrs' Memorial, said dignitaries from home and abroad, alongside people from all sections of society, would pay their respects at the memorial on Victory Day.
"The entire complex has been thoroughly cleaned and organised, with landscaping, lake restoration and enhanced surveillance measures put in place," he said.
Police authorities said there is currently no indication of any security threat and expressed confidence that Victory Day would be observed peacefully and with due solemnity.
On Victory Day, the President, the Chief Adviser of the interim government, members of the Advisory Council, senior government officials, diplomats and citizens from across the country are expected to lay wreaths at the memorial in honour of the heroic martyrs.
As part of the preparations, renovation work has been carried out across the memorial complex alongside the restoration of the adjoining lake. Colourful flower saplings have been planted to enhance the surroundings, while existing plants have been pruned.
Stairways, the memorial altar and other key areas have been freshly painted, giving the site a renewed appearance.
Buildings within the complex have been fitted with decorative lighting, and closed-circuit television cameras have been installed at strategic points. Workers were seen busy completing final touches as the observance drew closer.
In addition to work inside the memorial grounds, repair and re-carpeting work has been undertaken at several points along the Dhaka–Aricha highway adjacent to the memorial, while road dividers have been repainted as part of the Victory Day preparations.
