Bangladesh is commemorating the 54th anniversary of its hard-won Victory Day in grand style at Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka. Organised under the aegis of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy and spearheaded by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, the two-day ‘Victory Festival’ pays tribute to the millions of brave soldiers whose sacrifices secured the nation’s independence. Every element of the festival—from music and theatre to acrobatics—is carefully designed to reflect the spirit of struggle, resilience, and the enduring cultural heritage that forms the soul of Bangladesh.
The festival’s second day promises a spectacular musical celebration. The highly anticipated ‘Victory Day Concert’ features some of the country’s most beloved bands and solo artists, weaving patriotic fervour with modern and traditional melodies. Simultaneously, the timeless songs of the historic Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra are being broadcast across all 64 districts of Bangladesh, ensuring that the spirit of the nation reaches every corner.
Concert Line-up:
| Artist / Band | Type of Performance |
|---|---|
| Sayan | Modern band music |
| Shironamhin | Alternative rock |
| Lalon | Folk fusion |
| Bangla Five | Patriotic and contemporary songs |
| Tong-er Gaan | Folk music |
| Aftermath | Modern band music |
| Faria Ila Lalala | Solo vocals |
| Firoz Jung | Solo performance |
| F Minor | Band performance |
The festival commenced on Monday evening, 15 December, with a dazzling showcase of acrobatics and jatra pala (traditional theatrical performance). The senior, junior, and children’s acrobatic teams of Shilpakala Academy captivated audiences with acts of balance, courage, and control. Highlights included the senior team’s opening act, ‘Jolly Siemens’, the children’s ‘Blanket Balance’, and the junior teams’ ‘Cap Dance’ and ‘Ladder Balance’, creating a magical winter evening atmosphere.
Subsequent performances displayed extraordinary skill and daring, featuring Kung Fu Art, Ring Dance, Neck Iron Bar, High Cycle, Barrel Balance, Rope Cross, Roller Balance, Rope Jump, and Mouth Skill Acrobatics. The festival’s grand finale brought together children and adults in collaborative acts, including Hadi and Lathi routines, Diabo Balance, Pipe Balance, Ring Dance, Martial Art (Nunthu), and Rope Cross, illuminating Suhrawardy Udyan with cultural splendour.
Following the acrobatics, the Shilpakala Academy Repertory Jatra Unit staged the biographical play ‘General Osmani’, directed by Shamim Khandakar. The performance explored lesser-known yet critical aspects of the Liberation War, providing audiences with both an educational and emotionally moving experience.
With its seamless blend of music, theatre, and breathtaking acrobatics, the Victory Festival honours Bangladesh’s heroes and cultural legacy, leaving audiences inspired and proud of their nation’s enduring spirit.