54 Paratroopers, 54 Flags: A Historic Skydive to Celebrate Independence

Bangladesh is gearing up for an unprecedented celebration on 16 December, marking the nation’s Victory Day in grand style. In a historic initiative, the country is preparing to set a world record for the most flags carried by paratroopers during a skydiving display.

According to a press release from the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing, a joint operation involving the Bangladesh Army, Air Force, and Navy will see 54 paratroopers descend from the skies over Dhaka, each holding a national flag to commemorate 54 years of Bangladesh’s independence. This audacious feat is set to be recognised by the Guinness World Records.

Preparations for the day were discussed in a high-level meeting at the Chief Adviser’s office on Monday afternoon, chaired by Faruk-e-Azam, Adviser to the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs. Key officials, including cultural adviser Mostafa Sarwar Faruki, National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman, and senior representatives from the Home and Public Administration Ministries, participated in the discussion.

The day’s events promise a spectacular display. Starting at 11:00 AM at the old Tejgaon airport in Dhaka, the Army, Navy, and Air Force will conduct individual fly-pasts accompanied by a special Victory Day band performance. At 11:40 AM, the ‘Team Bangladesh’ paratroopers will leap from the sky in a display of national pride, holding the flags high for all spectators to witness.

Simultaneously, other cities across Bangladesh will host similar fly-pasts. In addition to the armed forces, the Police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and Ansar will present band performances nationwide. All events are open to the public.

The Ministry of Liberation War Affairs will also organise three-day Victory Festivals in all districts, with competitions in essay writing, recitation, and drawing for children, alongside cultural performances. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Culture will host an acrobatic show on 15 December at 3:00 PM at the Suhrawardy Udyan, followed by a traditional Jatra Pala titled “General Osmani” at 6:00 PM.

On 16 December, from 3:00 PM, Victory Day songs will be performed at Suhrawardy Udyan, while young artists across 64 districts will simultaneously broadcast the historic songs of the Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra. The day also includes ship displays at major ports and ghats, museum visits, screenings of liberation war films, and special prayers across mosques, temples, churches, and other religious sites.

Faruk-e-Azam expressed his delight at the plans, highlighting that the day will witness participation from all sections of society, regardless of age, religion, or social background. Cultural adviser Mostafa Sarwar Faruki added that the new generation will experience a memorable Victory Day, combining historic songs, air shows, cultural performances, and the record-breaking paratrooper jump.