Nation remembers Liberation War heroes

Bangladeshis at home and abroad on Sunday paid deep homage to the martyrs who laid down their lives for the country in 1971, marking the 48th Victory Day, reports UNB.

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina led the nation in paying tributes to the gallant souls of the soil, who sacrificed themselves for the country's independence.

They placed wreaths separately at the National Memorial in Savar at sunrise and stood in solemn silence as a mark of respect to the memories of the martyrs.

Sheikh Hasina also paid respect to Bangladesh's founding father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who led the country and its people to independence.

She placed a wreath at the portrait of the independence hero and stood silently for some time in front of the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi.

Hasina, also the ruling Awami League president, placed another wreath as the party chief.

Various socio-cultural and professional bodies and institutions, including Bangla Academy, Shilpakala Academy, National Museum, Muktijuddho Jadughar and Bangladesh Shishu Academy, marked the day with elaborate programmes.

The day was a public holiday. The national flag was hoisted atop government, semi-government, autonomous and private offices across the country. Important buildings and establishments were illuminated.

State-owned and private television channels and radios are airing special programmes highlighting the Liberation War. National dailies brought out special supplements on the occasion.