CHATTOGRAM, Dec 16, 2025 (BSS) - Great Victory Day-2025 was celebrated in Chattogram city and across its upazilas today with much festivity, reflecting the spirit of the historic victories of 1971 and 2024 aimed at establishing a New Bangladesh.

The district administration, Chattogram City Corporation (CCC), political parties, professional associations, and socio-cultural organizations marked the day with elaborate, day-long programs.

The observance began early in the morning with a 31-gun salute, followed by wreath-laying at the Liberation War Monument in DC Park, Kattali. CCC Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain placed the first wreath, paying tribute to the memory of the Liberation War heroes. 

He was followed by Chattogram Divisional Commissioner Dr. Md Ziauddin, Deputy Commissioner Zahidul Islam Meah, Range DIG of Police Ahsan Habib Palash, and Police Superintendent Md Nazir Ahmed Khan.

After the official ceremony, freedom fighters, representatives of political parties, socio-cultural and professional bodies, and a large number of people from all walks of life laid wreaths at the monument.

Speaking to journalists, CCC Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain said, "We achieved our great victory on December 16, 1971, after nine months of a hard-fought struggle that cost the lives of three million martyrs. But even after 53 years of independence, we have yet to fully realize the aspirations of our people."

"It is our foremost duty to work unitedly to build a self-reliant, progressive, and democratic Bangladesh in line with the spirit of the 1971 Liberation War," he added.

Divisional Commissioner Dr. Md Ziauddin and other senior officials formally hoisted the national flag at the Circuit House premises. The national flag was also hoisted at all government, autonomous, and key private offices, while public buildings and major road islands were colorfully illuminated.

Films and documentaries based on the Liberation War were shown free of charge in all cinema halls for students. Special prayers were offered at mosques, temples, and churches, and improved diets were distributed among inmates in jails, social welfare centers, and orphanages.

In the afternoon, the Chattogram district administration and CCC separately hosted receptions for freedom fighters and the families of martyred freedom fighters at the Circuit House Conference Hall and CCC Bhaban. CCC honored 110 freedom fighters with crests and cash awards.

Political parties and organizations, including Chattogram city BNP and its front organizations, Students Alliance Against Discrimination, Liberal Democratic Party, Jatiya Gonotantrik Party, Bangladesh Communist Party, Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal, Muktijoddha Sangsad city unit, Udichi, Muktijuddha Gobeshana Trust, Red Crescent Society, and Bangladesh College & University Teachers Association, laid wreaths at the Chattogram Central Shaheed Minar this morning.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami organized a youth procession and rally at Shaoloshahar Gate No-2 area to mark the Victory Day.

The Chattogram Metropolitan Union of Journalists (CMUJ) held a discussion meeting at its auditorium at 11 a.m., presided over by CMUJ President Mohammed Shah Nowaz. 

Journalists' leaders, including Chattogram Press Club President Zahidul Karim Kachi, CMUJ General Secretary Saleh Noman, Mohammad Hossain, Hasan Mukul, Monirul Islam Pervej, Mohammad Ali, and Nazrul Islam, participated in the discussion.