President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Saturday paid tributes to the martyrs of the Liberation War by placing wreaths at the National Memorial in Savar on the occasion of the 53rd Victory Day.

He laid the wreath at the altar of the National Memorial with the rising sun at about 6:33 am.

A contingent drawn from the Bangladesh Army, Navy and Air Force presented the state salute on the occasion.

After placing the wreath, the president stood in solemn silence for a while as a mark of profound respect to the memories of the martyrs of the Liberation War as the bugle played the last post.

President Shahabuddin also signed the visitors’ book there.

President Shahabuddin and his wife Dr Rebecca Sultana will host a reception at Bangabhaban marking the Victory Day.

"Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Jatiya Sangsad (JS) Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan and other dignitaries are expected to join the reception on the Bangabhaban lawn at about 5:30 pm," President's Press Secretary Md Joynal Abedin told UNB.

Cabinet members, advisers, state ministers, ambassadors and high commissioners of different countries, Supreme Court judges, chiefs of the three services, members of parliament, senior political leaders, academics, business community leaders, artistes, valiant freedom fighters and families of Bir Shreshtha gallantry award recipients and distinguished citizens will attend the reception.

Newspaper editors and journalist leaders will also attend the gathering alongside top civil and military officials.

President Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will exchange greetings with freedom fighters, other dignitaries and guests at the function.

The reception programme will be followed by a cultural function.