President, PM pay homage to freedom fighters as Bangladesh turns 50

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have paid their homage to valiant freedom fighters at the National Memorial as Bangladesh celebrates the golden jubilee of independence.

On this day in 1971, Bengalis confronted the torture by the Pakistani occupation forces and waged a war against them to achieve independence. The nation celebrates the day with special importance this year as Bangladesh completes half a century of its independence, reports bdnews24.com.

Bangladesh is simultaneously celebrating the birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the Father of the Nation. Heads of state and government from the neighbouring countries haze joined the festivities that began on Mar 17, Bangabandhu’s birthday.

The president and the prime minister paid their tribute to the gallant sons of the soil at the National Monument at 6 am on Friday. A group of armed forces saluted, while the bugle played a sad tune. Hamid and Hasina stood in silence for a minute.

Afterwards, Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury and Chief Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain paid their homage to the war heroes by placing wreaths.