Historic Suhrawardy Udyan resonated with the national anthem as millions of citizens joined the chorus to observe the 44th anniversary of Bangladesh’s victory over Pakistan with a call to fight against terrorism.
It was here, 44 years ago, that the victory of Bangladesh was scripted. At 4:31pm on Dec 16, 1971, the Pakistan Army signed the instrument of surrender in Suhrawardy Udyan, which was then known as the Race Course ground.
To commemorate that glorious moment, exactly at 4:31pm on Wednesday, a sea of humans, gathered in front of the “Victory celebration” podium, broke into singing, “Amar Shonar Bangla Ami Tomay Bhalobashi.”
This song by Rabindranath Tagore inspired the Bengali race in the battlefield of 1971. Later it was adopted as the National Anthem of Bangladesh.
The National Committee to celebrate Victory Day had urged countrymen to join in, singing the national anthem, regardless of their location.
Former Chief Justice ABM Khairul Haque, inaugurating the 44th Victory Day celebration at 11am, demanded that members of the Pakistan Army who committed crimes against humanity during the 1971 Liberation War be brought to justice.
He also called for the preservation of locations and establishments that are intertwined with memories of Liberation War.
A cultural programme was launched at 11:30am. Tributes were paid to Liberation War heroes at 3:30pm.
The national anthem was sung at 4:31pm, followed by an oath administered by Prof Abul Barkat.
A spectacular display of fireworks and the “Concert for Freedom” with popular bands of Bangladesh were held later in the night.
Source: bdnews24
