Bangladesh celebrates 41st independence day

Dhaka, March 26 (IANS) Bangladesh celebrated its 41st independence day Monday with tributes to the martyred war heroes.

On March 26, 1971 valiant Bengalis of the then East Pakistan, on declaration of independence by Father of the Nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, picked up arms to resist Pakistani occupation forces, who had unleashed a genocide on the people the night before, the Daily Star reported.

Victory was finally achieved Dec 16 following a nine-month-long struggle and Bangladesh was born.

On Monday, Bangladesh President Zillur Rahman, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Opposition Leader Khaleda Zia laid wreaths at the National Monument at Savar, some 30 km north of capital Dhaka, at sunrise.

After laying wreaths, the president and prime Minister stood in solemn silence for a few moments paying their respects to the martyrs.

The bugle played the last post and contingents of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force presented state salute on the occasion, the Daily Star reported.

Hundreds of thousands of people thronged Liberation War memorials across the country to pay tribute to the martyred war heroes who fought for freedom of the people 41 years ago.

A feeling of resurgence of the spirit of the Liberation War permeated the whole country amid the jubilant celebration of the Independence Day.

A 31-gun salute at dawn heralded the day, which is also the national day of Bangladesh.

On this occasion, national flags were flown on the buildings of the government and private offices. It was a public holiday in the country.

The country's president, prime minister and opposition leader greeted the people in separate messages on this occasion.