President Mohammed Shahabuddin (Left) and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina (Right). Photo: Collected
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina along with President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Saturday (16 December) paid tributes to the martyrs of the Liberation War by placing wreaths at the National Memorial in Savar, marking the 53rd Victory Day.
Sheikh Hasina and Mohammed Shahabuddin placed floral wreaths at the altar of the memorial around 6.35 am to pay homage to the martyrs.
After placing the wreath, they stood in solemn silence for some time as a mark of profound respect to the memories of the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War.
A smartly turned-out contingent drawn from Bangladesh Army, Navy and Air Force presented a state salute on the occasion when the bugles played the last post.
Flanked by senior leaders of Awami League, Sheikh Hasina laid another wreath at the National Memorial as the party chief.
The Prime Minister and the President also signed the visitor's book kept there.
Ministers, chiefs of the three services, members of the parliament, freedom fighters, diplomats, representatives of different development partners and civil and military officials, among others, were present.
President Shahabuddin and his wife Dr Rebecca Sultana will host a reception at Bangabhaban marking the Victory Day.
"Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Jatiya Sangsad (JS) Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan and other dignitaries are expected to join the reception on the Bangabhaban lawn at about 5.30 pm," President's Press Secretary Md Joynal Abedin told UNB.
Cabinet members, advisers, state ministers, ambassadors and high commissioners of different countries, Supreme Court judges, chiefs of the three services, members of parliament, senior political leaders, academics, business community leaders, artistes, valiant freedom fighters and families of Bir Shreshtha gallantry award recipients and distinguished citizens will attend the reception.
Newspaper editors and journalist leaders will also attend the gathering alongside top civil and military officials.
President Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will exchange greetings with freedom fighters, other dignitaries and guests at the function.
The reception programme will be followed by a cultural function.
The nation is celebrating the Victory Day with elaborate programmes paying homage to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country during the Liberation War.
On this glorious day in 1971, Bangladesh was liberated as an independent country after the Pakistani occupation forces surrendered following a bloody nine-month war.
Along with the government, different socio-political, educational and cultural institutions and organisations have chalked out a series of programmes to celebrate the day.
Messenger/Sun Yath
