Victory Day today

Today, December 16, marks the 55th Victory Day, commemorating the historic triumph of the Bengali nation in 1971. After a nine-month armed Liberation War, the occupying Pakistani forces surrendered on this day, granting Bangladesh its long-cherished independence and the red-green national flag as a symbol of sovereignty.

This year's Victory Day arrives in a unique context. Following the student-led mass uprising on August 5, 2024, which toppled the Awami League government, the nation is navigating a transitional phase under the interim administration. 

The upcoming 13th national parliamentary elections and a referendum on the July Charter—aimed at constitutional reforms for a discrimination-free democracy—are scheduled for February 12, 2026. 

The entire nation anticipates that these steps will propel Bangladesh toward comprehensive state reforms and strengthened democratic institutions, fostering a renewed vision of a prosperous, inclusive "New Bangladesh."

On this occasion, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus issued separate messages, extending heartfelt greetings to citizens at home and abroad. They paid profound tribute to the countless brave freedom fighters and martyrs whose ultimate sacrifices secured this victory, while calling for unity to uphold the Liberation War's spirit and build a corruption-free, equitable society.

Extensive national programmes have been organised to observe the Great Victory Day with fitting reverence and enthusiasm.

National Programmes

Today is a public holiday. Celebrations commence with a 31-gun salute in Dhaka at dawn. The national flag is hoisted atop all government, semi-government, autonomous, and private buildings, as well as Bangladesh embassies and missions abroad. 

Key structures and establishments are illuminated in the evening, while major roads and intersections in Dhaka and other cities will be adorned with the national flag, banners, festoons, and colorful decorations.

At sunrise (6:34 am), President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus laid wreaths at the National Memorial in Savar. 

Subsequently, led by the Liberation War Affairs Adviser Faruk-e-Azam, families of Bir Shrestha recipients, war-wounded freedom fighters, and valiant muktijoddhas will pay homage. 

Foreign diplomats, political parties, socio-cultural organisations, professional bodies, and citizens from all walks of life will follow to honor the Liberation War martyrs.

From 11:00 am at Tejgaon Old Airport in Dhaka, the Bangladesh Army, Navy, and Air Force are set to stage separate fly-past displays, accompanied by a special Victory Day band performance. 

In a highlight of the day, 54 paratroopers from the armed forces—marking the 54th year of independence—will perform a synchronised flag-bearing parachute jump, aiming to set a new Guinness World Record for the largest such display. 

Nationwide, armed forces units, along with police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Ansar, and Bangladesh National Cadet Corps (BNCC) bands, are set to participate in similar events.

A three-day Victory Fair will be held across all districts and upazilas under the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs. At 9:00 am, students in educational institutions at divisional, district, and upazila levels are set to assemble for flag hoisting, the national anthem, parades, and physical displays.

From 3:00 pm at Dhaka's historic Suhrawardy Udyan, the Ministry of Culture will host performances of Victory Day songs. Simultaneously, new-generation artists will present songs from Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra in all 64 districts.

Institutions such as Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Bangla Academy, National Museum, Liberation War Museum, and Bangladesh Shishu Academy will arrange discussions on the Liberation War, cultural events, children's art, essay, and sports competitions, as well as documentary screenings. Similar initiatives will occur at Bangladesh missions abroad to underscore the day's significance.

In the afternoon, President Mohammed Shahabuddin will host a reception for Bir Shrestha family members at Bangabhaban. 

Receptions honoring freedom fighters and martyr families will take place in the capital, districts, and upazilas. 

The Bangladesh Postal Department will release commemorative stamps. 

District- and upazila-level sports, including football, T20 cricket, kabaddi, and hadudu, will involve students from schools, colleges, madrasas, and other institutions.

Improved facilities and receptions will be provided at hospitals, jails, elderly homes, orphanages, street children centers, disability welfare facilities, day cares, and shelters nationwide. 

Special prayers will be offered in mosques, temples, churches, pagodas, and other places of worship for the forgiveness of martyred souls, the well-being of war-wounded freedom fighters, and the nation's peace and progress.

Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar, and private channels are airing special programmes on the Liberation War's glorious history. Newspapers feature supplements and articles. 

All children's parks and museums will enjoy ticket-free for the public. Liberation War-themed films will be screened gratis in cinema halls, including in Dhaka.

Navy and Coast Guard vessels open for public viewing from 9:00 am until sunset at ports in Chittagong, Khulna, Mongla, Payra, Dhaka's Sadarghat, Pagla, and Barisal.

Additional Events

Various political parties, socio-cultural groups, professional associations, and organisations will host their own detailed programmes to mark the Great Victory Day, reflecting widespread national participation in honoring this pivotal milestone.