Dhaka, BANGLADESH – Fifty years ago today, Bangladesh emerged victorious after a long, bloody, nine-month war with Pakistani forces. The land was then known as West Pakistan, but on Dec. 16, 1971, leaders signed an historic agreement marking the end of the war for liberation.
Bangladesh has been observing the joyous occasion ever since then.
Last year, amidst the pandemic, people celebrated the usual programs of Victory Day while maintaining covid social distancing protocols. This year the holiday coincided with the 50th anniversary year – the golden jubilee – of independence in Bangladesh.
Marking the 50th year of independence, the government carried out year-long activities for citizens amidst covid to honor and celebrate the history of the liberation.
For Victory Day this year, there are programs planned to honor the freedom fighters like we do every other year. As planned, there will be several programs throughout the day starting with a 31-gun salute, paying homage to the martyrs of our war for independence and the national flag will be hoisted on top of all government buildings.
Victory Day is a national holiday for everyone, and Dhaka, Bangladesh’s capital city, is lit up to commemorate this special occasion.
To publicly celebrate, buildings, malls, and establishments across the country wrapped themselves in red and green lighting, matching the national flag.
On Wednesday, Bangladesh President MD Abdul Hamid greeted Indian President Ram Nath at the airport.
Kovind arrived in Dhaka for a three-day tour, and to celebrate the 50th Victory Day of Bangladesh as the guest of honor this year.
Usraat Fahmidah is a Junior Reporter with Youth Journalism International.
