Nation commemorates the war heroes

Tributes are pouring on at the national mausoleum in Savar as the nation commemorates the Liberation War martyrs whose sacrifices ensured Bangladesh’s freedom from Pakistani oppression in 1971.

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

After a nine-month War of Liberation with the supreme sacrifices of three million people and the honour of 200,000 women, Bangladesh finally achieved its victory on December 16, 1971.

The day, which is a public holiday, has begun with 21-gun salute and placing of wreaths at the National Memorial.

Marking the day, President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid rich tributes to the Liberation War martyrs by placing wreaths at the National Memorial here on the city's outskirts this morning marking the 52nd Independence and National Day.

The president first placed the wreath at the altar of the memorial followed by the prime minister.

After laying the wreaths, the president and the premier stood in solemn silence for some times as a mark of profound respect to the memories of the martyrs of the Great War of Liberation in 1971.    

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

The head of the state and the head of the government also signed the visitors’ book kept on the memorial premises.

Flanked by her party leaders, Sheikh Hasina, also the President of the Awami League, paid glowing tributes to the Liberation War martyrs by placing another wreath at the National Memorial on behalf of the party.

Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, Chief Justice Hasan Foez Siddique, senior Awami League leaders and high civil and military officials, among others, were present on the occasion.

Later, the Jatiya Sangsad speaker and the chief justice also paid homage to the martyrs by placing wreaths at the National Mausoleum.