Victory Day pins hope for change

As the morning progressed, the National Martyrs' Memorial premises came alive with the footsteps of people from various socio-political organisations, professional groups, educational institutions, and government and non-government bodies. Individuals and families brought flowers, signifying their respect and gratitude to the nation's greatest heroes.

Among the visitors, Kabita Bairagi, an NGO official who came with her family, expressed her mixed emotions about the state of the nation. 

"We wanted change, but it hasn't fully met our expectations yet. There is still hope for a brighter future under the current administration. Although challenges remain, I believe they will take the country forward as we envisioned," she told TBS.

The nation today celebrated the 54th Victory Day, by paying glowing tributes to 1971 Liberation War martyrs and recalling the glorious history the country scripted 53 years back by freeing the soil from occupation forces.

On 16 December 1971, Bangladesh was born as an independent state at the cost of the supreme sacrifices of 30 lakh people and the honour of nearly five lakh women.

The Pakistani occupation forces surrendered to the joint forces of Bangladesh and India ending the ninth-month Liberation War.

Marking the day, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus paid homage to the martyrs of the Liberation War by placing wreaths at the National Martyrs' Memorial at Savar on the outskirts of the capital this morning.

The president laid the wreath at the altar of the national monument with the rise of the sun at 6:34am followed by the chief adviser.

A contingent drawn from the Bangladesh Army, Navy and Air Force presented the state salute on the occasion.

President of Timor-Leste Jose Ramos-Horta also paid rich tributes to the martyrs by placing wreaths at the National Martyr's Memorial.

After placing the wreaths, Prof Yunus and Ramos-Horta stood in solemn silence for some time as a mark of profound respect for the memory of the martyrs.

Injured valiant freedom fighters and their family members, advisers to the interim government, foreign diplomats, invited guests and high-ranking civil and military officials were present on the occasion. 

When the president and the chief adviser left the National Memorial premises, people of all strata were allowed to pay their tributes to the 1971 martyrs by placing wreaths.

Spirited gathering

Sejuti, a student from Dhamrai Government College, shared her sentiments, saying, "We owe a lot to our martyrs; they gave us a new identity. After the recent movement of 2024, I feel a stronger sense of responsibility as a citizen. This change has ignited hope that we can achieve more by fulfilling our collective aspirations." 

Similarly, Puja Roy, who brought her child to the memorial for the first time, stressed the importance of teaching the next generation about the country's sacrifices.

"I want my child to learn about our history, not just from textbooks but by experiencing it. As a mother, it's my duty to instil this awareness. I hope my child grows up in a nation free from inequality and injustice," she remarked.  

Others, like retired teacher Kawsar Ahmed, brought younger family members to inspire curiosity about the nation's past. 

"I came with my daughter and grandchildren from Kushtia. They've been asking a lot of questions about our history, and it feels fulfilling to share those stories here. Visiting the memorial helps them connect with the sacrifices made for our freedom," he said.  

Visitors also reflected on the legacy of the 2024 mass uprising, comparing it to the spirit of the Liberation War. Many expressed optimism that the recent sacrifices would pave the way for a more just and equitable society, where the aspirations of the nation would not be in vain.  

Reception at Bangabhaban

In the afternoon, President Shahabuddin and his wife Rebecca Sultana hosted a reception programme at Bangabhaban marking Victory Day.

The Timor-Leste president, who is on an official visit to Bangladesh at the invitation of Prof Yunus, joined the reception.

Several thousand guests, including Chief Justice Syed Rafaat Hassan, council of advisers, ambassadors, and high commissioners of different countries attended the function in the afternoon.

Besides, Supreme Court judges, chiefs of the three services, senior political leaders, academics, business community leaders, artistes, valiant freedom fighters and families of Birshreshtha gallantry award recipients, Indian war veterans and distinguished citizens attended the reception.

Newspaper editors and journalist leaders also attended the festive gathering alongside top civil and military officials.

President Shahabuddin along with the Timor-Leste president cut a cake at the VVIP Enclosure on the occasion.

The president later exchanged greetings with the injured freedom fighters, student representatives, dignitaries and guests at the function.

Improved diets were served in jails, hospitals, orphanages, old-age homes and other similar institutions across the country.

All children's parks and museums were kept open for all without tickets and Liberation War-based films were screened in the cinema halls free of cost across the country.

Similar programmes were organised at district and upazila levels as well as Bangladesh missions abroad, highlighting the significance of the day.

Air Force honours master warrant officers

For the first time in Bangladesh Air Force's history, master warrant officers of the force were awarded with the honorary commission today. 

To commemorate Victory Day at Air Headquarters in Dhaka, Air Force Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan attended the event as chief guest and adorned the title of "Flying Officer" rank badge to 15 honorary commissioned officers.