Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday released a 10 taka commemorative postage stamp on the country’s 47th Victory Day marking its emergence as an independent nation after a nine-month war against the Pakistani forces in 1971.
She also released a 5 taka data card along with a souvenir issued by Bangladesh Post Office, the Daily Star reported.
December 16 is celebrated as Victory Day in Bangladesh and “Vijay Diwas” in India to mark their military victory over Pakistan during the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971, which eventually led to the liberation of Bangladesh, which was earlier called East Pakistan.
The celebrations began in the morning through a 31-gun salute at the National Parade Ground. Around the same time, President Abdul Hamid and Hasina paid homage to the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War by placing wreaths at the National Mausoleum at Savar, Bdnews24.com reported.
Both the leaders vowed to continue the development and establish a “Golden Bangla” dreamt by the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh
Mujibur Rahman.
Unesco’s recognition of Bangabandhu’s March 7, 1971 speech as part of the world’s documentary heritage and including it in the Memory of the World International Register made this year’s celebrations more special.
Ministers, chiefs of the three services, leader of the opposition in parliament, MPs, freedom fighters, diplomats, representatives of different development partners and high civil and military officials were among others, present to mark the day.
A colourful parade was held at the National Parade Square with the participation of armed forces. The national flag was hoisted atop all government and private buildings. Several notable buildings were decorated and illuminated with lights. The day is a public holiday.
Hasina urged all to work for the country’s development. “Let us engage ourselves for the welfare of the country,” the prime minister said.
Describing how her Awami League party was working for Bangladesh’s development, she reiterated the government’s
targets.
“We have been working relentlessly to build a hunger and poverty-free and a peaceful middle-income Bangladesh by 2021 and a developed and prosperous one by 2041.”
President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina pay tributes to the martyrs of the Liberation War by placing wreaths at the National Mausoleum at Savar yesterday.
