Bangladesh is gearing up for an unprecedented spectacle on 16 December, with preparations underway for a record-breaking flag-parachuting event marking Victory Day.
Officials say the country is aiming to secure a new Guinness World Record by deploying the highest number of national flags in a single parachuting display.
The Chief Adviser’s Press Wing announced the plan in a statement released this evening, following a preparatory meeting at the Chief Adviser’s Office. Liberation War Affairs Adviser Faruk E Azam, Bir Protik, presided over the session, which reviewed nationwide arrangements for the 54th anniversary of independence.
According to the meeting’s decisions, 54 paratroopers from the Army, Navy and Air Force will perform a coordinated jump carrying national flags, symbolising each year of Bangladesh’s independence. If completed as planned, it will become the world’s largest flag-parachuting demonstration.
The session was attended by Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman, Principal Secretary to the Chief Adviser M Siraz Uddin Miah, senior secretaries from key ministries, the Principal Staff Officer, and other top officials.
The armed forces will stage separate fly-past displays at the old Tejgaon Airport from 11am on Victory Day, accompanied by a special band performance. At 11:40am, the 54-member “Team Bangladesh” will execute their landmark jump, with public attendance allowed.
Similar aerial displays are planned across major cities, while police, BGB and Ansar units will host synchronised band shows nationwide.
District and upazila administrations have been instructed to organise Victory Day programmes on a large scale, including recitation contests, essay competitions, and children’s painting events focused on the Liberation War.
Three-day Victory Fairs will be held across all districts and upazilas under the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs.
A series of cultural performances will unfold at Suhrawardy Udyan on 15 December, with an acrobatic show at 3pm followed by a “Jatra Pala” titled General Osmani at 6pm. On 16 December, Victory Day songs will be performed at the same venue, while young artists in all 64 districts will sing iconic songs of the historic Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra simultaneously.
Cultural Affairs Adviser noted the emotional connection many young people forged with patriotic music during the 2024 mass movement, saying it reflected a renewed commitment to national ideals. He expressed hope that this year’s celebration would surpass previous observances.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting will issue special supplements, while government, semi-government and private institutions will fly the national flag in line with regulations. Buildings across the country will be illuminated, and a 31-gun salute will usher in the day’s formal observances.
Freedom fighters will be honoured in special receptions at district and upazila levels. Meanwhile, Navy and Coast Guard vessels will open to the public from 9am to sunset at major ports including Chattogram, Khulna, Mongla, Payra, Sadarghat, Pagla and Barishal.
Cinema halls will offer free screenings of Liberation War films for students, while documentaries will be shown in auditoriums and open spaces nationwide. Public museums will waive entry fees throughout the day, and amusement centres will provide free access for children.
Special prayers seeking peace for fallen freedom fighters and wellbeing for injured veterans will be held in mosques, temples, churches, pagodas and other places of worship.
Hospitals, prisons, orphanages, old-age homes, disability support centres, street-children shelters and child development facilities will serve improved meals as part of the day’s commemorations.
Liberation War Affairs Adviser said preparations this year aim to ensure representation from every section of society, regardless of identity or background, so the entire nation can share in the spirit of the day together.
