Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday paid tributes to the martyrs of the Liberation War by placing wreaths at the National Memorial in Savar marking the 51st Victory Day.

Sheikh Hasina placed floral wreaths at the altar of the memorial around 6:34 am to pay homage to the great heroes of the country.

She later placed the wreaths at the portrait of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Bangabandhu Bhaban in the city’s Dhanmondi-32 area.

The PM’s younger sister, Sheikh Rehana, was also present.

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

This year’s Victory Day has special significance as it coincides with celebration of the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the Golden Jubilee of the country’s Independence.

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.

Read: President Hamid pays homage to Liberation War martyrs

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

The people of Bangladesh at home and abroad are celebrating the Victory Day, the most joyous day when the country was born at the cost of the supreme sacrifice of three million martyrs and the honour of nearly half a million women.

The Prime Minister also joined the military parade programme in the National Parade Square, when President Md Abdul Hamid took salutes and inspected the parade as the chief guest.  She enjoyed the attractive march past, spectacular fly-past and aerobatic display there.

Later, Sheikh Hasina released a memorial postal stamp at Ganobhaban on the occasion of the 51st Victory Day.

She also unveiled a logo inscribed with ‘Mujib’s Bangladesh,’ the brand name of Bangladesh Tourism there and released another memorial postal stamp on the occasion of the birth centenary and the Golden  Jubilee celebrations.

Posts and Telecommunications Minister Mustafa Jabbar, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Md Mahbub Ali and top officials concerned were present.

In the afternoon, the Prime Minister will administer an oath to the nation as part of the two great celebrations.

She will also attend the ceremony of the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation and the Golden Jubilee of the country’s Independence at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad.