Bangladesh celebrates Victory Day with parade and prayers

Bangladesh celebrated its 52nd Victory Day to commemorate the Liberation War of 1971 in style on Dec 16.

A ceremonial parade, which saw the participation of combined national forces, was held at the National Parade Square in the capital city of Dhaka. Bangladeshi President Md Abdul Hamid was present to take the salute. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also attended the event.

With the rising sun early in the morning, President Hamid and Prime Minister Hasina paid tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the nine-month-long war in 1971 by placing wreaths at the National Memorial in Savar, on the outskirts of the capital.

Apart from a 31-gun salute to commence the Victory Day celebration, the national flags were hoisted atop all government, semi-government and private offices as well as offices of autonomous bodies across the country, according to national news agency Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha.

Special prayers were offered at mosques and other places of worship for the departed souls, peace, progress and prosperity of the country.