Bangladeshis mark 46th Victory Day

Bangladesh yesterday celebrated the 46th Victory Day with elaborate programmes paying homage to the martyrs who laid down their lives for the country.On this day in 1971, Pakistani occupation forces surrendered after a nine-month war resulting in free, independent and sovereign Bangladesh.The day was a public holiday.Different political parties, sociocultural organisations and educational organised various programmes to mark the Victory Day.Meanwhile, President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia issued separate messages on the occasion.As part of the day’s programmes, a colourful parade participated by three services was held at the National Parade Square at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. Freedom fighters, members of the Armed Forces and law enforcement agencies took part in the parade.President Abdul Hamid took salute and inspected the parade as the chief guest. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was also present at the parade.Earlier, President Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina placed wreaths at the National Mausoleum in Savar in the morning to pay their tributes to the martyred freedom fighters.The national flag was hoisted atop all government and private buildings, while the government and semi-government buildings and other public places were illuminated and roads and islands were decorated with flags and festoons in all cities of the country on the occasion.Special prayers were offered in mosques, temples, churches, pagodas and other places of worship seeking divine blessings for peace and progress of the country.The president accorded a reception to freedom fighters at the President’s Secretariat in the afternoon.