The entire nation burst into euphoria as thousands of people came out dancing and singing to the streets Monday night to celebrate their historic victory over former champions Pakistan in the World Cup cricket.

The millions who had been glued to live telecasts of the play burst into cheers with the Bangladesh team clinching a memorable 62-run victory over Pakistan whom the nation defeated in the 1971 war of liberation.

With this win, the world-cup debutant Bangladesh who had earlier beat Scotland ended up with 4 points.

Cricket-crazy Bangladesh went into ecstasy with the fans taking to the streets, beating drums and setting of firecrackers as their emotion exploded into thunderous jubilation when Bangladesh sealed the victory over Pakistan.

Sensing Bangladesh's victory well before the end of the match many were seen preparing to celebrate the occasion and buying sweets to exchange greetings with fellow Bangladeshis.

Buses and trucks on the street honked their horns as welcome greetings to the Bangladeshi cricketers.

Phones and e-mails were found busy as people exchanged good wishes among friends and relations over the victory over the cricket giant Pakistan.

It was a tremendous scenario throughout the match either in households or outside residence. In various places such as streets and markets people surrounding a TV watched the match. They shouted and clapped in every dismissal of Pakistani batsmen.

An ecstatic Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina led the nation in celebrations congratulating the Bangladesh team and sending out greetings for the members of the squad of the national side's victory over Pakistan and declared a half-day national holiday for Tuesday.

Besides her earlier declaration of Tk 100,000 each for the team members, Hasina Monday night held out another bounty of as much money the players and other members of the team.

Many business houses, including largest business organisation, Beximco, also started declaring cash awards for the victors.

Several parts of the capital, including Mouchak and Malibagh crossings, Shahbagh, Paltan, Farmgate areas turned into human sea breaking the midnight silence.

The students of Dhaka University came out of their dormitories and rushed towards Teachers' Students' Centre in processions to celebrate the biggest victory of Bangladesh in the World Cup cricket.

They beat plates, jugs and whatever they got at hand and danced and sang and exploded crackers to memorise the glorious victory.

The arms cadres of different student organisation were also not out of the joyous moment as they fired shots from their illegal guns in the air.

In the women dormitories, many students burst into tears of joy with the historic victory of Bangladesh.

DU Vice-Chancellor Prof AK Azad Chowdhury congratulated Bangladesh team for its historic and massive victory in the World Cup cricket against former World Champion Pakistan.

``We have won like '71, I feel this moment as December 16 of '71'', said the VC.

DU Pro-VC Prof Shahadat Ali said, ``Joy Bangla, It is the victory of the Bengali Nation''.

Bangladesh Press Minister in London Syed Badrul Ahsan in an immediate mail to this correspondent said: need one say anything more? Only this - we are a great nation. Shall we keep the banner flying? Northampton becomes part of history.