Victory Day — History, Date & Significance

On December 16, 1971, the Pakistani armed forces surrendered at the Ramna Race Course (now Suhrawardy Udyan) in Dhaka, ending the nine-month Liberation War and giving birth to independent Bangladesh. Around 93,000 soldiers laid down their arms in one of the largest military surrenders since the Second World War. The victory came at an immense cost — millions of lives lost and a nation devastated — which is why the day carries both triumph 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.