Victory day (Bengali: বিজয় দিবস Bijôy Dibôs) is a national holiday in Bangladesh celebrated on December 16 to commemorate the victory of the Allied forces High Command over the Pakistani forces in the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971. The Commanding officer of the Pakistani Forces General AAK Niazi surrendered with his forces to the Allied forces commander Lt. Gen. Jagjit Singh Aurora, which marked ending the 9 month-long Bangladesh Liberation War and 1971 Bangladesh genocide and officially secession of East Pakistan into Bangladesh.
When 90,000 Pakistani troops surrendered to the Bangladesh forces on December 16, 1971, the War for Independence was over. Bangladesh became a sovereign nation. Now, that is reason to celebrate! And Bangladeshis do.
Across the country, businesses shut down to commemorate the event. In Dhaka, the capital city, the morning of Victory Day is welcomed with a 31 gun-salute. Then formal parades of every branch of the military march through the streets. Floral wreaths are laid at the National Memorial Monument to honor those who sacrificed their lives for this country’s freedom.
Events commemorating Victory Day
- 1971: State Bank of Pakistan became Bangladesh Bank.
- 1972: The constitution of the People's Republic of Bangladesh was enacted on December 16.
- 1973: Gallantry awards of war were declared by Bangladesh Gazzett on 15 December.
- 1996: Silver jubilee of victory was celebrated.
- 2007: The remains of Bir Sreshtho Matiur Rahman were brought back to Bangladesh on 10 December.
- 2013: New world record of the largest human flag was set when 27,117 volunteers gathered at the National Parade Ground holding red and green blocks to form the national flag of Bangladesh.
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