A helicopter passes the square with the national flag of Bangladesh during the Victory Day parade in Dhaka on Dec 16. (YANG HAN / CHINA DAILY)
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.
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The 52nd Victory Day parade on Dec 16 features a statue of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman among well designed displays. (YANG HAN / CHINA DAILY)
The Bangladesh parade also salutes peace and United Nations peacekeeping missions. (YANG HAN / CHINA DAILY)
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.
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Participation of Bangladesh’s various forces at the National Parade Square in Dhaka is another attraction at the ceremonial parade on Dec 16. (YANG HAN / CHINA DAILY)
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.
kelly@chinadailyapac.com