Today, 16 December, marks the Great Victory Day — a shining symbol of the Bengali nation’s courage, sacrifice and heroism. On this historic day, Bangladesh stood tall as a nation of valour and proclaimed to the world the birth of a new independent state — Bangladesh. After nine months of bloody struggle during the Liberation War of 1971, the Bengali nation achieved its ultimate victory on this very day. As a result, Victory Day is being celebrated across the country with great enthusiasm — from the capital Dhaka to the most remote villages, filled with joy and commemorative events. In the morning, the President, Mohammed Shahabuddin, will be the first to pay tribute to the great martyrs by placing wreaths at the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar, followed by the Chief Adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus. Afterwards, under the leadership of the Adviser for Liberation War Affairs, family members of Bir Shreshtha awardees, war-wounded freedom fighters and valiant freedom fighters will offer their respects. Foreign diplomats, political and social organisations, along with the general public, will also express their deep love and gratitude to the martyrs. On this occasion, various political parties, as well as social and cultural organisations, have arranged diverse programmes. In separate messages, the President and the Chief Adviser have extended greetings to the nation on Victory Day and paid homage to the fallen heroes. In his message, the President stated that to truly deliver the fruits of independence to the people’s doorsteps, democracy must be strengthened, made more effective and institutionalised. He also called for fostering a culture of tolerance, mutual respect and unity at individual, social and state levels.