DHAKA, Dec 16, 2017 (BSS) – An attractive Victory Day Parade to celebrate the 46th anniversary of the country’s victory, that had been achieved through the War of Liberation against Pakistani occupation forces in 1971, was held in the city today.
Different contingents of Bangladesh Army, Navy and Air Force as well as Freedom Fighters’ contingent, Para-military forces, law enforcement agencies and various ministries of the government participated in the parade held at the National Parade Square.
President Abdul Hamid was present as the chief guest and took salute of the parade held under the auspices of the 9th Infantry Division of Bangladesh Army at Savar at the directives of Ministry of Liberation War Affairs and supervision of the armed forces.
The President accompanied by parade commander Major General Md. Akbar Hossain, riding on an open jeep visited the Victory Day Parade and took salute.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina attended the parade and enjoyed the attractive march past, spectacular fly-past, aerobatic display and armoury acquisitions of different regiments and contingents of the armed forces.
On this day in 1971, Pakistani military conceded defeat to the Allied Forces and Commanding Officer of Pakistani Forces General A A K Niazi surrendered arms with all members of his forces ending nine month-long bloody war.
Minister for Liberation War Affairs AKM Mozammel Haque, Army Chief General Abu Belal Muhammad Shafiul Huq, Navy Chief Admiral Nizamuddin Ahmed, Chief of Bangladesh Air Force Air Chief Marshal Abu Esrar, Principal Staff Office (PSO) of the Armed Forces Division Lt. General Mahfuzur Rahman and Secretary of the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs Apurup Chowdhury were present.
Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, cabinet members, PM’s advisors, parliament members, senior civil and military officials and their family members were present. Thousands of people from all walks of life witnessed the about two-hour long spectacular parade.
War veterans of India and Russia with their spouses, arrived in Dhaka to join the 47th Victory Day celebration of Bangladesh, also witnessed the parade.
The parade displayed the continuous development of the different civil and military organizations and socio-economic progress of the country and spectacular fly past and aerobatic display of the MIG 29 and other aircraft of army aviation, navy aviation and RAB helicopter and parachute landing by army paratroopers.
Aircraft of Army aviation, Navy aviation and RAB helicopters enthralled the spectators with fly-past while the Air Force presented aerobatic show and the Army paratroopers displayed parachute landing.
The new addition Bangladesh Army-Multiple Launch Rocket System, MBT-2000 tank, self propelled gun, armoured light vehicle and weapon locating rudder SLC-2, new addition Bangladesh Navy-defender class boat were displayed during the parade.
Later the President and the Prime Minister exchanged greetings with the senior military officials and commanders of various units participated in the parade ended with eye-catching fireworks show.
On the occasion the National Parade Ground was tastefully decorated with the images of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, four national leaders and seven Birshreshthas.