The nation is observing the 46th Victory Day on Friday with elaborate programmes to pay deep homage to the martyrs who laid down their lives for the country.Different political parties, socio-cultural organisations and educational institutions have taken up various programmes to mark the Victory Day.On this day in 1971, the nine-month War for Independence ended with the Bengali nation clinching victory against the marauding Pakistani military.The War for Independence was preceded by 23 years of intense political struggle for democracy, national identity and national liberation. The commander of 93,000 marauding troops of Pakistan army, Lieutenant General AAK Niazi, surrendered at Ramna Race Course, now Suhrawardy Udyan, in Dhaka. Meanwhile, President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia have issued separate messages on the occasion.As part of the day’s programmes, a colourful parade will be held at the National Parade Square at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar at 10:30am.Freedom fighters, members of the Armed Forces and law enforcement agencies will take part in the parade. The national flag will be hoisted atop all government and private buildings, while the government and semi-government buildings and other public places will be illuminated and roads and islands will be decorated with flags and festoons in all cities of the country on the occasion.