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Thousands sing national anthem at Suhrawardy Udyan

Staff Correspondent
Tens of thousands of people streamed to the capital's Suhrawardy Udyan yesterday to commemorate the moment the Pakistani forces surrendered there 42 years ago, leading to the victory of Bangladesh after a nine-month bloody war that took three million lives.
General Abdullah Khan Niazi had surrendered to Lt Gen Jagjit Singh Aurora at the park, the then racecourse ground.
People in their thousands poured into the historic park in the afternoon with rekindled sentiments of victory over Pakistani oppressors and their collaborators.
Being the first celebration of victory since the execution of convicted war criminal and Jamaat leader Abdul Quader Mollah, the day bore a special significance this time around.
"This time it feels like a true victory knowing that there is one less traitor on my land," said Saad Muktafid, a private jobholder who was strolling in Suhrawardy Udyan.
All present there began singing the national anthem "Amar Shonar Bangla, Ami Tomay Bhalobashi" at
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4:31pm, the moment the instrument of surrender was signed on December 16, 1971.
Following the national anthem, the second-in-command of the Liberation War Air Vice Marshal (retd) AK Khandker handed over the national flag to Imran I I Sarker, spokesperson of the anti-war criminal youth movement Gonojagoron Mancha, symbolising that the responsibility of nation building now rests on the new generation.
The veteran freedom fighter also made the crowd pledge to devote to defend the values of independence and nation building.
"This year's December 16 is special, as we are not only celebrating the victory of the nation in 1971, but also the victory' of justice over impunity," said Raihan, a participant.
Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra artistes reignited the flame of freedom within all, by belting out the fiery songs composed during the Liberation War.
The festivities exploded in brilliance, as fireworks shot up to the
sky, symbolising the soaring emotions of freedom the crowd exuded.
The festivities also gave the city dwellers a relief after days of violence and arson in the streets. For over a month, the general people have been cooped up home due to extended hartals and blockades.
"I feel like I'm released from a cage after a long time," said Mehjabin Archi, a student of literature who went to Suhrawardy Udyan to sing the national anthem with the crowd.
Art exhibitions, wall writing and graffiti adorned the walls of Dhaka University campus, while tiny paper flags strung up all around, giving a festive look to the city.
Rickshaw-pullers revelled in their independence for a day and raised flags on their handlebars. Groups of students went around the town doing body art on anyone wishing to paint themselves green and red.
Cultural organisations and clubs played patriotic songs, such that every' street was awash with a medley of liberation music.