Independence Day celebrated -

The nation celebrated the 53rd Independence and National Day on Sunday in a befitting manner, with a resolve to take the country forward imbued with the spirit of Liberation War.

On March 26, 1971, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared Bangladesh's independence following the crackdown on unarmed Bangalees on the night of March 25 by the Pakistani occupation forces, reports UNB.

After the nine-month long Liberation War, with the supreme sacrifices of three million martyrs, Bangladesh achieved its cherished independence on December 16, 1971.

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid tributes to the martyrs of Liberation War -- placing wreaths at the National Memorial in Savar Sunday morning.

President Hamid first placed a wreath at the altar of the memorial followed by the Prime Minister.

A smartly turned-out contingent drawn from Bangladesh Army, Navy and Air Force presented a state salute on the occasion, while the bugles played the last post.

Later, flanked by senior Awami League leaders, Sheikh Hasina, also chief of the ruling party, laid another wreath at the altar of the memorial.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also paid tribute to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Sunday morning.

On her return from the National Memorial, the Prime Minister paid homage to the Father of the Nation by placing a wreath at his portrait in front of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi 32 in Dhaka.

Sheikh Hasina stayed at Bangabandhu Memorial Museum for some time.

Flanked by central leaders of Awami League, Sheikh Hasina laid another wreath at the portrait of Bangabandhu on behalf of AL.

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages extending heartfelt greetings and warm felicitations to Bangladeshi citizens at home and abroad.

The day began with a gun salute and wreath-laying ceremony at Savar's National Memorial in honour of the Liberation War martyrs.

At sunrise, the national flag was flown over all government, semi-government, private, and autonomous buildings, and all significant buildings and establishments were illuminated.