The nation is celebrating the 44th Victory Day today with elaborate programmes to pay deep homage to the 30 lakh 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 is a public holiday.

Different political parties, socio-cultural organisations and educational institutions are observing the day with various programmes.

The day was heralded with 31 gun salutes.

As part of the day’s programmes, a colourful parade will be held at the National Parade Square at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar at 10:30am. Freedom fighters, members of the Armed Forces and law enforcement agencies will take part in the parade.

President Abdul Hamid will take salute and inspect the parade as the chief guest. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will also be present at the parade.

President Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia placed wreaths at the National Mausoleum at Savar in the morning to pay their tributes to the martyred freedom fighters.

People from all walks of life are also placing wreaths at the national memorial.

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 decorated with flags and festoons in all cities of the country on the occasion.

National dailies brought out supplements. The state-owned and private televisions and radios are broadcasting special programmes highlighting the significance of the day.

Special prayers are being offered in mosques, temples, churches, pagodas and other places of worship seeking divine blessings for the peace and progress of the country.

The President will accord a reception to freedom fighters at Bangabhaban in the afternoon.

The destitute children are set to visit the children park in the capital today free of cost.

Improved diets are being served in jails, hospitals, orphanages and vagrant homes across the country.

National and party flags of Awami League were hoisted at the party's central office at Bangabandhu Avenue at dawn. Awami League leaders and workers placed wreaths at the National Memorial at Savar at the same time.

The ruling party leaders also paid tributes to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman by placing wreaths at his portrait at Bangabnadhu Bhaban at Dhanmondi in the city in the morning.

Besides, the party leaders and workers placed wreaths at the graveyard of Bangabandhu at Tungipara in Gopalganj district.

The ruling party will also bring out a victory rally from Suhrawardy Udyan in the afternoon.

It will also hold a discussion at Krishibid Institution in the city at 3pm on Wednesday where Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will be present as the chief guest.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia along with her party leaders and activists are set to place wreaths at the majar of late President and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the capital.

The party also held a discussion at the Institution of Engineers on Monday.
 
Meanwhile, President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia issued separate messages on the occasion.

UNB/TF