The nation celebrated its 49th Independence Day recalling the millions who laid down their lives to free the country from Pakistani occupation.

The people of the country took a vow to build a prosperous, peaceful, and a truly democratic Bangladesh.

Gun salutes, parades, discussions, film screenings, and cultural events are among the programmes held to celebrate the day.

A 31-gun salute had been fired at the National Memorial in Savar at the break of day, with thousands of people flocking there to commemorate the heroes who embraced martyrdom in the Liberation War.

People wearing green and red outfits placed wreaths at the altar of the memorial.

On March 26, 1971, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared Bangladesh's independence following a crackdown on unarmed Banglalees at midnight by the Pakistani occupation forces.

After the nine-month Liberation War, Bangladesh achieved its cherished independence on December 16, 1971 with the supreme sacrifices of three million people.

President Abdul Hamid first placed a wreath at the altar of the National Memorial followed by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, BSS reports.

Chief Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain, Deputy Speaker Advocate Fazle Rabbi Mia, members of the cabinet, MPs, chiefs of the armed forces, freedom fighters, foreign diplomats, and civil and military officials also paid tributes.

Wreaths were also placed by Jatiya Party's Co-Chairperson Begum Raushan Ershad, Secretary General Moshiur Rahman Ranga and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.    

Besides, leaders of almost all political parties and their organs also paid tributes.    

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina hoisted the national flag and led the nation in singing the national anthem “Amar Sonar Bangla” simultaneously at Bangabandhu National Stadium while attending Jatiya Shishu Kishore Samabesh around 8:00am.

Hasina urged the children and juveniles to advance the country being imbued with the spirit of patriotism and the Liberation War.

“You're the future leaders of the country. So you'll have to take the country forward by loving it deeply,” she said.

Sheikh Hasina yesterday released a commemorative postage stamp, a first-day cover and a data card marking the occasion.

In the afternoon, President Hamid hosted a reception for eminent personalities, diplomats, civil and military officials, politicians and professionals at the Bangabhaban, UNB reports.

Government, autonomous and other organisations as well as diplomatic missions of Bangladesh around the world celebrated the day in a befitting manner.

The national flag was hoisted atop government and private buildings while the government and semi-government buildings and other public places were illuminated.

National dailies published special supplements while TV and radio stations aired special programmes highlighting the significance of the day.

Special prayers were offered at all places of worship. Improved diets were served to the inmates in jails, hospitals, old homes and other public institutions.

People across the country paid their tributes to the martyrs placing wreaths at memorials in their towns.