President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid rich tributes to the martyrs of the Liberation War at the National Memorial in Savar yesterday, marking Independence Day.

The president first placed a wreath at the altar of the memorial in the morning, followed by the prime minister.

After placing the wreaths, the president and prime minister stood in solemn silence for a while as a mark of profound respect to the memories of the martyrs.

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

Chief Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain, members of the cabinet, PM's advisers, parliament members, deputy speaker, chiefs of the three services, freedom fighters, diplomats, and high civil and military officials were present.

Later, flanked by senior leaders of Awami League, Sheikh Hasina, president of the party, placed another wreath at the memorial.

Wreaths were also placed by Jatiya Party Co-Chairperson Raushan Ershad and Secretary General Moshiur Rahman Ranga.

Mayors of Dhaka south and north city corporations Sayeed Khokon and Atiqul Islam also paid homage to the martyrs by placing wreaths separately.