Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday paid tributes to the martyrs of the Liberation War by placing wreaths at the National Memorial in Savar, marking the 53rd Victory Day.

Sheikh Hasina placed floral wreaths at the altar of the memorial around 6:35 am to pay homage to the martyrs.

After placing the wreath, she stood in solemn silence for some time as a mark of profound respect to the memories of the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War.

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

Flanked by senior leaders of Awami League, Sheikh Hasina laid another wreath at the National Memorial as the party chief.

The Prime Minister also signed the visitor's book kept there.

Ministers, chiefs of the three services, members of the parliament, freedom fighters, diplomats, representatives of different development partners and civil and military officials, among others, were present.

The nation is celebrating the Victory Day with elaborate programmes paying homage to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country during the Liberation War.

On this glorious day in 1971, Bangladesh was liberated as an independent country after the Pakistani occupation forces surrendered following a bloody nine-month war.

Along with the government, different socio-political, educational and cultural institutions and organisations have chalked out a series of programmes to celebrate the day.