Victory Day: History, Date & Significance

On 16 December 1971 the Pakistani armed forces surrendered at the Ramna Race Course in Dhaka, now Suhrawardy Udyan. The nine-month Liberation War was over and independent Bangladesh was born. Around 93,000 soldiers laid down their arms, one of the largest military surrenders since the Second World War. The victory came at an immense cost, with lakhs of lives lost and the country in ruins, so the day is one of both celebration and remembrance.

Victory Day (Bijoy Dibosh) has been observed as a national holiday since 1972. The day begins with a 31-gun salute, and the President and Prime Minister lead the nation in laying wreaths at the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar. The national flag flies from homes, vehicles, and buildings across the country throughout the day.