As dawn approached, the sun was just beginning to rise in the eastern sky. Dew from the night still clung to the paved roads, and a new morning was moments away. Along the Dhaka–Aricha highway beside the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar, many people were already standing—some in groups, others alone. Many held bouquets and wreaths. For everyone present, the day was special: 16 December, Victory Day, a day to honor the nation’s fallen heroes. All were waiting for the moment to pay their respects.

AbThis was how the morning began in areas surrounding the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar. As the morning progressed, around 6:30 am, President Md. Shahabuddin entered the memorial premises. Shortly afterward, Chief Adviser of the interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, also arrived. In the early hours of the day, the President laid a wreath at the memorial altar, followed by the Chief Adviser.

At that time, a smartly dressed contingent from the Army, Navy, and Air Force presented a state salute. Members of the advisory council, the chiefs of the three services, freedom fighters and their family members, diplomats, and senior civilian and military officials were present. Later, families of the Bir Sreshthos, freedom fighters, war-injured veterans, and foreign diplomats stationed in Bangladesh also paid their respects. After the state ceremonies concluded and the morning fog gradually lifted, the memorial was opened to the public around 7:30 am. Immediately afterward, large crowds who had been waiting along the Dhaka–Aricha highway poured into the memorial grounds.

Leaders of the BNP, including standing committee members Mirza Abbas, Salahuddin Ahmed, Abdul Moyeen Khan, and chairperson’s adviser Amanullah Aman, placed flowers at the memorial to honor the martyrs.

Around 7:15 am, Nusrat Jannat (7) from Ashulia’s Pubail area and Shifa Moni (4) from Baipayl were waiting on the roadside near the memorial with their fathers. Due to security arrangements for the President and Chief Adviser, they had to wait outside the premises. Nusrat said she was excited to visit the memorial, look around, and offer flowers.

As the day went on, the memorial premises became increasingly crowded with people of all ages. Individuals, political parties, educational institutions, professionals, and social organizations paid tribute, gradually covering the altar with flowers. Many children and teenagers came with their families—some carrying national flags, others with the flag painted on their faces, and some wearing headbands decorated with the red and green.

After paying tribute, photographer Shahidul Alam said, “We all need to stand together against any dark force that tries to destroy our country—that is our expectation.”

Sabiha Tabassum, who came to the memorial with friends from Savar’s Bank Colony, said, “We achieved independence through nine months of bloody war. We are here to honor the martyrs whose sacrifices made our freedom possible.”