This year's Victory Day celebrations will include the 'Bijoy Mela'

This year's Victory Day will be celebrated under a new context, following the removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from power. The government has introduced initiatives to engage the general public in observing the occasion with proper dignity. As part of this effort, the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs has outlined several programs and significantly increased the budget for the grand event, nearly tripling it. Additionally, the government has planned to honor living freedom fighters in districts and upazilas. Officials emphasize that this year's celebrations aim to involve the entire population, moving away from being exclusive to a particular group or family. To enhance public participation, a Victory Day fair, or "Bijoy Mela," will also be organized.

The Ministry of Liberation War Affairs has allocated Tk9.21 crore for the celebrations this year, with specific funding set aside for districts and upazilas. Each upazila will receive Tk75,000, while Tk1 lakh will be allocated to each district. A formal press conference has been scheduled by the ministry to detail these changes.

Committees Formed

To ensure proper execution, the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs has instructed district administrators and Upazila Nirbahi Officers to make necessary arrangements. According to sources, the ministry will coordinate the programs, supported by two main committees and three sub-committees formed to implement the plans effectively.

Programs Starting on Martyred Intellectuals' Day

The commemorations will begin on December 14, Martyred Intellectuals' Day, with black flags flying over all government and private buildings, and the national flag lowered to half-mast. The President and Chief Advisor will lay wreaths at the Martyred Intellectuals’ Memorials in Mirpur and Rayer Bazar. On December 16, the national flag will be hoisted on all government and private buildings, as well as in Bangladesh’s embassies and missions abroad.

Instead of traditional parades at circuit houses nationwide, Victory Day fairs will take their place, inviting participation from people across all social backgrounds.

Preparations at the National Memorial in Savar

In preparation for the celebrations, public access to the National Memorial in Savar has been restricted for eight days, from December 8 to December 15, for cleaning and security purposes. This decision was finalized during a recent inter-ministerial meeting.

Cultural and Community Activities

Various cultural and community-based events are planned to mark the occasion. Activities include a children’s painting competition, cultural programs, sports events in educational institutions, and film screenings at the district and upazila levels. Programs highlighting the Liberation War’s history will be broadcast on television and radio. Additionally, the Bangladesh Navy and Coast Guard will conduct their own commemorative activities.

Special prayers will be held in mosques, temples, churches, pagodas, and other places of worship to honor the martyrs. Hospitals, prisons, old-age homes, orphanages, and daycare centers will receive special meals as part of the celebrations.

Showcasing Local Arts and Crafts

Victory Day fairs will also serve as platforms to exhibit arts, crafts, and locally made industrial goods. Adviser to the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, Faruq-e-Azam, remarked, “Victory Day belongs to everyone, not just a select group or family. We have taken steps to ensure this inclusivity.” Necessary instructions have been issued to all district commissioners and UNOs to implement these decisions, with funds already disbursed to facilitate the plans.