Staff Reporter :
On Monday, the nation observed the 54th Victory Day, a day of immense pride, by paying heartfelt tributes to the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War and reflecting on the glorious history made 53 years ago when Bangladesh broke free from long-standing subjugation.
On December 16, 1971, Bangladesh became an independent nation at the cost of the ultimate sacrifices of three million people and the dignity of nearly half a million women.
To commemorate the day, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus paid homage to the martyrs by laying wreaths at the National Memorial in Savar early in the morning.
The President placed a wreath at the memorial altar at 6:34am, as the rising sun bathed the site, followed by Chief Adviser Professor Yunus.
The President was joined by his Timor-Leste counterpart, who also honoured the martyrs with a wreath. A contingent from the Bangladesh Army, Navy, and Air Force presented a state salute for the occasion.
Injured freedom fighters, their family members, advisers of the interim government, foreign diplomats, distinguished guests, and senior civil and military officials attended the event.
After paying tribute to the war heroes, the President, himself a valiant freedom fighter, exchanged greetings with the injured freedom fighters and their families.
Once the President and Chief Adviser departed the National Memorial, people from all walks of life were allowed to pay their respects to the martyrs of 1971 by placing wreaths.
