She said the ceremony will be held on December 17 because it was on that day that the 1971 war ended after the signing of the instrument of surrender by the Pakistani general in the eastern sector on the previous day, thus liberating Bangladesh. Though a low-key official celebration is planned on December 16, she said it is for the citizens also to remember the sacrifice of the officers and men of the three armed forces not only in the victorious 1971 war but also throughout the 51 years of the country's independence including the low-intensity war which is still on in the Kashmir valley.

The police band will be in attendance at the manch function.