The National Martyrs’ Memorial stands ready for public to honour the nation’s fallen heroes on Victory Day. The entire complex has been cleaned and decorated with floral displays and traditional alpona. Security has been reinforced with four layers of protection around the site.

All visitors have been barred from December 11 to 15. The memorial will open to the general public on December 16 morning after the president, chief adviser, members of the advisory council, and other VIPs lay wreaths.

Dhaka Range Deputy Inspector General Reazaul Karim Mallick inspected the site to review overall arrangements and public safety measures. He told reporters four tiers of security had been ensured. “We have taken every measure necessary to maintain public order,” he said. More than 4,000 security personnel have been deployed and will remain in place until December 16.

Traffic management has also been improved from Aminbazar in Savar to the memorial, the DIG added.

An on-spot visit saw the memorial being adorned in red and green with colourful flowers. Ornamental plants fill red tubs at various points. Fresh red water lilies have been released into the lake. Mass graves and the martyr’s altar are being scrubbed clean. Work continues on lake restoration, lighting installations and other tasks. CCTV cameras have been installed. All illegal structures around the memorial have been demolished.

Anwar Khan Anu, officer-in-charge of the memorial, said millions would pay their respects on Victory Day, including the president, chief adviser, and advisory council. The Public Works Department has washed and cleaned the entire complex in preparation. “Some final touches remain,” he said. CCTV installation, planting of various flowers to enhance beauty and related work have been completed.

“The president and chief adviser will receive a guard of honour from the three armed forces,” he said. After they lay wreaths, the memorial will open to the public. Leaders of political and social organisations will pay tribute later.

Meanwhile, Press Information Department has issued a notice stating that no posters, banners or festoons may be displayed on the road from Gabtoli to the memorial. Authorities have appealed to people at all levels to avoid damaging the memorial’s flower gardens during wreath-laying ceremonies.