The Dhaka Times Desk Today is December 16, the Great Victory Day. 49 years of the victory achieved in return for the sacrifice of 3 million martyrs are completed today. Nation is celebrating this great day with due dignity.
On this day in 1971, a great victory was achieved by defeating the Pakistani invading forces. Victory was achieved today on December 16, 1971. The victory of Bangladesh was achieved through the surrender of the invading forces.
Through the sacrifice of millions of people, we got an independent-sovereign state of Bangladesh, a national flag. The bloody war that started with the declaration of independence on March 26, 1971, exactly 9 months after we achieved the final victory with the defeat of the invading forces on December 16, 1971. Because of that we got our own flag, we got an independent state.
Thousands of Bengalis were waiting for such a day. The much-desired day is seen on the pages of history as if it were written in red ink through a bloody struggle of 9 months. Today is 16 December 1971.
On this day at Dhaka's historic Race Course Maidan (now Suhrawardy Udyan), the barbaric Pakistani forces laid down their arms and bowed before millions of victorious Bengalis. Pakistani forces signed the defeat certificate that day. An independent Bangladesh appeared on the world map.
The sacrifice of 3 million martyrs in the long 9-month bloody war, and the honor of at least 2 lakh mothers and sisters, will not only bring joy but also pain in the hearts of many people. With humble respect and deep gratitude, the nation today remembers the known and unknown brave martyrs. We have passed by enjoying the benefits of the freedom gained in return for their sacrifice. But those who betrayed the nation and joined hands with the murderous Pakistani soldiers in the turbulent days of that struggle. The stigma of not judging those Razakar-Albadr al-Samsad has dimmed this great achievement of the nation. However, the present government came to power and tried those Al Badr Al Shams one after another and managed to rid the nation of stigma.
On this great day, all the festive people will take to the streets from the morning. All the memorials of the country will be filled with flowers in humble respect remembering the martyrs. Countless people of all ages gathered in the capital to pay their respects to the martyrs at the Savare National Memorial Ground. The sacred altar of the memorial will be covered with flowers of respect.
On this day, the red-green flag will be flying at home and in all institutions. On the head there will be a ribbon colored in the color of the flag, portrait of the national flag will be drawn. Flags will be decorated on the main roads and highways of all the major cities of the country including the capital. Today is a public holiday. Important buildings will be illuminated tonight. Special food will be served in hospitals, orphanages and prisons. Special prayers will also be offered in all places of worship including mosques and churches in the country to commemorate this great day.
At sunrise, the President and the Prime Minister laid wreaths at the Savar National Memorial. President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Leader of Opposition Roshan Ershad gave separate messages for the day.
English 
Bengali