The nation is celebrating the 47th Victory Day with paying tributes to those who died for the country during the Great War of Liberation in 1971.
The celebration began with a 31-gun salute followed by President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina placing floral tributes at the National Memorial in Dhaka’s Savar with the rise of the sun.
After placing the wreaths at 6.34 am, they stood in solemn silence for some time as a mark of respect to the memories of the liberation war martyrs.
A smartly turned out contingent drawn from Bangladesh Army, Bangladesh Navy and Bangladesh Air Force presented them state salute on the occasion when bugles played the last post.
Cabinet members, parliament members, chiefs of the three services, diplomats, and high civil and military officials were present.
The Prime Minister also paid respects to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman by placing a wreath at his portrait in front of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi in the city
Flanked by senior leaders of the party, she placed another wreath at the portrait as president of the Awami League.
Both Abdul Hamid and Sheikh Hasina have extended their cordial greetings and warm felicitations to the countrymen at home and abroad on the occasion of the Victory Day.
BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia also issued a message on the occasion of the Victory Day and paid floral tributes to the martyrs by placing wreaths at the National Memorial.
This year the celebration has reached a new height following the UNESCO's recognition of Bangabandhu's historic 7th March Speech as part of the world's documentary heritage.
Marking the day, a colourful parade was held at National Parade Square in the Old Airport area with the participation of armed forces.
President Abdul Hamid attended the event as the chief guest. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was also present there.
Different organisations, including political and socio-cultural ones, have taken up programmes on the national occasion.
Special prayers are also being offered in mosques, temples, churches, pagodas and other places of worship seeking divine blessings for the peace and progress of the country.
The President will accord a reception to freedom fighters at Bangabhaban in the afternoon.