The 51st great victory day was celebrated in a befitting manner at Chittagong port on 16 December. The daylong programme began with a one-minute long whistling of all ships and vessels anchored within the port limit. All ships and vessels were decorated in colourful flags and festoons.
National flag was hoisted at all office buildings of the port authority, school-college and club premises early in the morning. Later CPA Chairman and the board members hoisted the national flag, paid tribute to the patriotic heroes who sacrificed their lives in the liberation war by placing wreaths at the memorial at Port Republic Club.
Besides, students of the different schools and colleges of the port took part in a drawing competition. At 10 am in the morning, a documentary on the best use of digital technology in building the Sonar Bangla as envisaged by Bangabandhu was shown. CPA Chairman Rear Admiral M Shahjahan attended the programme as the chief guest and distributed prizes among the winners of the different competitions.
In his speech, CPA Chairman said, Bangladesh is a role model of development before the world today. At the directives of the prime minister, a deep sea port at Matarbari, and a river tunnel below Karnaphuli have been built. Metro Rail will commence soon. Bangladesh has evolved into a digital Bangladesh continuing its forward march towards development.
After the Johor prayer, CPA Chairman, board members and other department heads participated in a doa mahfil and special prayer. Besides, special prayers were also held at all mosques, temples and pagodas at the port seeking continuous progress and development of the country. In the afternoon, friendly football matches were held at the Shaheed Engineer Shamsuzzaman Stadium; one, between Chittagong Port Officers Association and Chittagong Port Employees Union while another, between Muktijoddha Sangsad Command and Port Republic Club.
