Victory Day

About Victory Day

Victory Day, known in Bangla as Bijoy Dibosh, falls on 16 December every year. It marks the day in 1971 when the Pakistani forces in Dhaka surrendered, bringing nine months of the Liberation War to a close. Independence had been declared in March; December brought the victory that made it real. For Bangladeshis it is a day of pride, but also one of remembrance for the very large number of people who lost their lives, homes and families during the war.

Because it follows the Gregorian calendar, the date never moves: it is always 16 December, a national public holiday. Offices, banks and schools close, and the day sits in the quiet, cool weeks of early winter, just before the school year ends and the wedding and picnic season gets going.

The day carries real weight in family life. Older relatives tell their stories, children learn the songs of the war years, and many households keep at least one book or photograph that connects them to 1971. It is a celebration, but it is never only a party.

How it is celebrated

The day begins at dawn with a gun salute and with people laying flowers at the National Memorial (Jatiyo Smriti Soudho) in Savar, just outside Dhaka, and at local memorials across the country. A ceremonial parade is held in Dhaka, and buildings, bridges and streets are lit up in red and green the night before. Television and radio play songs and dramas from the liberation struggle all day.

Away from the official events, the day is very visible on the street. Children paint the flag on their cheeks, rickshaws and motorbikes carry small flags, and families dress in red and green, whether a saree, a panjabi, a fatua or a simple T-shirt. Schools, clubs and neighbourhood groups organise art contests, quizzes, sports and cultural programmes, and many families finish the day with a special meal at home.

What people buy

1. National flags

   Hand-held flags, larger flags for balconies and rooftops, and car or bike flags sell steadily through the first half of December. Check the size and the proportions of the red circle before you buy.

2. Red-and-green clothing

   Sarees, salwar kameez, panjabis and fatuas in the colours of the flag are the most popular buy. Many shops bring out a Victory Day range in late November.

3. Flag-themed accessories

   Headbands, wristbands, badges, scarves and bangles in red and green are cheap, cheerful and easy to share among a group of friends or classmates.

4. Kids' outfits

   Small panjabis, frocks and T-shirts printed with the flag or map are bought for school programmes and family outings on the day.

5. Books on 1971

   Histories, memoirs, novels and illustrated children's books about the Liberation War sell well, especially for young readers starting to ask questions.

6. Flowers and wreaths

   Schools, offices and community groups order floral wreaths and loose flowers to lay at memorials in the early morning.

Gift ideas

1. A book about the war

   A well-written history or a picture book for children is a gift that lasts long after the day.

2. Matching family outfits

   Red-and-green panjabis and sarees for parents and children make for a memorable family photo.

3. Framed art or prints

   Prints of the flag, the National Memorial or art from the war years suit a home or office wall.

4. A flag and accessory set

   A small bundle of flags, badges and wristbands is an easy gift for children before a school event.

Shopping tips

Order Victory Day clothes and school-programme outfits at least a week or two ahead, because demand for red-and-green items rises sharply in early December and popular sizes run out. Mid-December is also the start of the wedding and winter season, so couriers are busier than usual.

On Midmart each shop sends its own parcel and charges its own delivery, so buying a saree from one shop, flags from a second and a book from a third means three parcels and three delivery charges. If you can, pick one shop that sells most of what you need. Midmart never handles payment or delivery: each seller tells you how they take payment and how they will send your order, so confirm both with the seller before you buy.

Shop for Victory Day

• bangladesh flag
• red green panjabi
• red green saree
• flag t-shirt
• liberation war books
• kids flag dress

Victory Day dates

Dates marked “expected” depend on the moon sighting or the official calendar and are confirmed close to the day.

Questions about Victory Day

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