Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today paid rich tributes to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, marking National Mourning Day and the 45th anniversary of his martyrdom.

As part of the state programme, the prime minister paid homage to the architect of independence by placing wreaths at the portrait of Bangabandhu in front of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi Road 32 in the capital early this morning.

After placing wreaths, the prime minister stood in solemn silence for some time showing respect to the great leader.

A smartly turned out contingent of Bangladesh Armed Forces gave state salute at that time.

Munajat was also offered seeking eternal peace of the departed souls of the August 15 carnage.

Bangabandhu, his spouse Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib, his three sons -- Sheikh Kamal, Sheikh Jamal and Sheikh Russell -- and family members of three close relatives of Bangabandhu were assassinated in cold blood on August 15, 1975 by a group of disgruntled army men.

Daughters of Bangabandhu -- Sheikh Hasina, the current prime minister, and Sheikh Rehana -- survived as they were abroad at that time.

After paying tributes to Bangabandhu, the Premier along with her daughter Saima Wazed Hossain visited the historic residence of Bangabandhu at Dhanmondi Road 32 which witnessed the most barbaric carnage on this day 45 years ago.

From Dhanmondi, the prime minister later went to Banani Graveyard where her mother Bangamata Fazilatunnesa Mujib, brothers Sheikh Kamal, Sheikh Jamal, Sheikh Russell and other martyrs of August 15 were laid to eternal rest.

The prime minister placed floral wreaths and spread flower petals on their graves.

She also offered Fateha and doa seeking eternal peace of the departed souls of the martyrs of August 15.