Dhaka: Bangladesh celebrates the 46th Victory Day on Friday with elaborate programmes to pay deep homage to the martyrs who laid down their lives for the country.

On this day in 1971, Pakistani occupation forces surrendered after a nine-month war resulting in free, independent and sovereign Bangladesh.

The day is a public holiday. 

Different political parties, socio-cultural organisations and educational institutions have taken up various programmes to mark the Victory Day. 

Meanwhile, President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia have issued separate messages on the occasion.

In his message, the President said,” The government has set ‘Vision 2021’ and ‘Vision 2041’ for transforming Bangladesh into a developed country. I’m hopeful that we would be able to materialize the 'vision' within the stipulated time by utilizing our huge human resources and information technology.”

He hoped that the coordinated efforts of everybody will turn Bangladesh into a hunger- and poverty-free prosperous ‘Sonar Bangla’ (Golden Bangla) as dreamt by Bangabandhu.

In her message, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, “Let’s come and uphold the development and democratic spree being imbued with the spirit of the freedom struggle. Let’s all engage ourselves in building a service-oriented, hunger- poverty-free and a happy prosperous 'Golden Bangladesh' as dreamt by the Father of the Nation.”

As part of the day's programmes, a colourful parade is being held at the National Parade Square at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the morning. 

Freedom fighters, members of the Armed Forces and law enforcement agencies are taking part in the parade.

President Abdul Hamid took salute and inspected the parade as the chief guest. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was also present at the parade. 

President Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina placed wreaths at the National Mausoleum in Savar in the morning to pay their tributes to the martyred freedom fighters. 

People from all walks of life will also placed wreaths at the national memorial. 

The national flag was hoisted atop all government and private buildings, while the government and semi-government buildings and other public places were illuminated and roads and islands were decorated with flags and festoons in all cities of the country on the occasion.

National dailies brought out supplements, while state-owned and private televisions and radios broadcast special programmes highlighting the significance of the day. 

Special prayers will be offered in mosques, temples, churches, pagodas and other places of worship seeking divine blessings for the peace and progress of the country. 

The President will accord a reception to freedom fighters at Bangabhaban in the afternoon. 

Destitute children will be allowed to visit the children park in the capital on the day free of cost. Improved diets will be served in jails, hospitals, orphanages and vagrant homes across the country. 

Bangladesh missions abroad will hoist the national flag and organise discussions, cultural functions and receptions. 

The ruling Awami League has chalked out elaborate programmes to mark the day.