The nation is celebrating the 47th Victory Day today (Saturday) marking its liberation from the Pakistani occupation forces after a nine-month-long bloodstained war in 1971.
President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina gave separate messages on the eve of the day.
The President said Bangladesh is now being considered as a role-model in the world for socio-economic development, as per agencies report.
These have been possible due to intellectual-mind, tireless hard work and undaunted courage of our people, he added.
The Prime Minister urged all to come and uphold the development and democratic spree being imbued with the spirit of the freedom struggle.
"Let us engage ourselves for the welfare of the country. Let this be our vow on the Victory Day of 2017," she said.
She extended her sincere greetings and warm felicitations to the countrymen at home and abroad on the occasion of the 47th Victory Day.
The Prime Minister recalled with gratitude the four national leaders and three million martyrs, who sacrificed their lives and two hundred thousand women who lost their innocence for the cause of our independence.
Different political parties including Awami League, Jatiya Party, JSD, CPB, Workers Party and Gono Forum have chalked out various programmes in observance the day.
Besides, different socio-cultural-professional bodies and institutions including Dhaka University, Bangla Academy, Shilpakala Academy, Sammilito Sangskritik Jote, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Bangladesh Tourism (Parjatan) Corporation and Bangabandhu Sangskritik Jote will observe the day with elaborate programmes.
Different socio-political, educational and cultural institutions and organisations have chalked out a series of programmes to celebrate the nation's glorious victory over the Pakistani occupation force.
The government has taken elaborate programmes to celebrate the Day at the national level on December 16.
The day will start with 31 gun salutes. President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will pay tributes to the martyrs of the Liberation War by placing wreath at the National Mausoleum at Savar with the rise of the sun.
They will be followed by the freedom fighters and their family members, foreign diplomats, leaders of Awami League and different political and social organisations and people from all walks of life.
Marking the day, a colourful parade will be held at National Parade Square in the Old Airport area with the participation of armed forces. The President will take salute as chief guest at the parade. The Prime Minister will be present on the occasion.
The day is a public holiday. The national flag will be hoisted atop government, semi-government and private offices as well as offices of autonomous bodies across the country.
Important buildings and establishments will be illuminated at night. Important roads and road islands will be decorated with miniature national flags and colourful festoons.
National dailies will bring out special supplements.
The state-owned and private televisions and radios will broadcast month-long special programmes highlighting the Liberation War. Different organisations will organise discussion and display Liberation War related documentary.
Receptions will be hosted to freedom fighters and family members of martyrs at city, district and upazila levels.
Special prayers will be offered in mosques and other places of worship, seeking salvation of the souls of martyrs of the Liberation War and peace, progress and prosperity of the country.
Improved diets will be served in gaols, hospitals, orphanages and vagrant homes across the country.
Destitute children will be allowed to visit children's parks and other recreational centres across the country free-of-cost.
Bangladesh missions abroad will observe the day through different programmes.
