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National leaders and people from all walks of life offered floral tributes to the Bangladesh Liberation War martyrs and joined the celebration marking the fifty-third anniversary of Victory Day Monday, first after the political changeover in the country.
On this day, December 16, 1971, Bangladesh emerged as an independent country with victory over the Pakistani occupation forces after a nine-month war.
The nation clinched its independence at a dear cost of an estimated three million lives and honour of nearly half a million from the womenfolk.
The post-uprising interim government and sociopolitical organisations arranged various programmes to mark the occasion.
President Shahabuddin and the Chief Adviser of the interim government Prof Muhammad Yunus laid floral wreaths at the National Memorial in Savar to pay homage to the war martyrs at daybreak to set off ceremonies of the historic Victory Day.
President of Timor-Leste Jose Ramos-Horta placed wreaths at the National Memorial to honour the country's freedom fighters.
Dr Yunus said Victory Day is not only a source of pride but also an "oath day."
"The oath is to remain united, protect the sovereignty of the country, and uphold the spirit of the Liberation War," he said in a message on the occasion of Victory Day.
Dr Yunus remembered the brave martyrs of the freedom struggle with respect and honoured their sacrifices.
Later in the day, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and First Lady Dr Rebeka Sultana hosted a reception at Bangabhaban, marking the Victory Day.
The event was attended by a diverse gathering of distinguished guests, including Chief Justice Syed Rafaat Hassan, members of the council of advisers, ambassadors and high commissioners from various countries.
Along with the government, different socio-political, educational and cultural institutions and organisations celebrated the day with a series of programmes.
The great Victory Day was also celebrated in the divisional cities and districts with a renewed pledge to build a happy, prosperous and non-communal Bangladesh with the spirit of the Great War of Liberation.
Also, families of the nation's war heroes, wounded freedom fighters, and other distinguished veterans of the Liberation War paid heartfelt tributes.
Foreign diplomats based in Bangladesh, along with political and social organisations, as well as the general public, also laid wreaths in honour of the martyrs.
On this occasion, the main streets and roundabouts in Dhaka and other cities were adorned with national flags.