Bangladesh is celebrating 45 years of its emergence as a new country on the map of the world on December 16 in 1971 after nine-month long 1971 Liberation War against Pakistan, the country is recalling the sacrifices of more than 3 million martyrs. <br/><br/>On this day, the Chief of Pakistani Army General AAK Niazi along with 93,000 Pakistani troops surrendered to the allied forces of Mukti Fouz and Indian Army at Ramna Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka following a defeat. <br/><br/>India entered the war on 3rd Dec 1971 after being attacked by Pakistan on the western front. The 13-day war culminated in the birth of the new Bangla nation. <br/><br/>Joining the Victory Day celebrations this year are 29 Indian War Veterans and 5 Russian Friends of Liberation War who are in Dhaka as special invitees of Bangladesh Government. Reciprocal visits by Indian War Veterans to Dhaka and Muktijodhas to Kolkata have been in practice since 2005. <br/><br/>The day is being observed with great patriotic zeal and enthusiasm with a number of programmes organised in the country. <br/>'<br/>A 31-gun salute at dawn at the National Parade Ground was followed by laying of wreaths by President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the National War Memorial at Savar in Dhaka. <br/><br/>In his message, President Abdul Hamid said Bangladeshis should take pride in the fact that the country's journey towards development is considered as a role model for the world. <br/><br/>Prime Minister Hasina renewed the resolve to establish a 'Sonar Bangla' as dreamt by the Father of the Nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.People from all walks of life are seen visiting the National Memorial to offer respects. A ceremonial Victory Day Parade participated by the army, police and and war veterans at the National Parade Square was attended by the people. <br/><br/>Dhaka University which played a historic role in the Liberation war has organised a Bijoy Utshab in the campus. People are enthusiastically participating in discussions, competitions, debates and other cultural programmes.