President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid homage  to the architect of the Independence by placing wreaths at the portrait of Bangabandhu in front of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi Road No. 32 in the capital in the morning.

The day is being observed as the National Mourning Day.

As part of the state programmes, the President and the Prime Minister laid wreaths separately at the portrait of Bangabandhu.

After placing the wreaths, the President and the Prime Minister stood there in solemn silence for some time showing deep respect to the great leader.

A smartly turned out contingent of Bangladesh Armed Forces gave state salute at that time, while the bugle played the last post.

A munajat was offered seeking the eternal peace of the departed souls of the August 15 carnage.

Bangabandhu, his spouse Sheikh Fazilatun Nesa Mujib, his three sons - Sheikh Kamal, Sheikh Jamal and Sheikh Russell - and most of the family members of three close relatives of Bangabandhu were killed in cold blood on August 15, 1975 by a cabal of army men.

Bangabandhu’s two daughters -- Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana -- escaped the carnage as they were abroad at that time.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's daughter Saima Wazed Hossain, Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, Chief Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain, cabinet members, Prime Minister’s advisers, the chiefs of the three services, senior leaders of Awami League and senior government officials were present.

Later, Sheikh Hasina, also the President of Awami League, flanked by party’s General Secretary Obaidul Quader and senior leaders placed wreaths at the portrait of Bangabandhu on behalf of the Awami League.

After paying tributes to Bangabandhu, the Prime Minister visited the historic residence of Bangabandhu at Dhanmondi Road No. 32 which witnessed the world’s most barbaric carnage on this day 44 years ago.

Sheikh Hasina stayed for some time in the house which now has been turned into Bangabandhu Memorial Museum.

Later, the Prime Minister went to Banani Graveyard where her mother Bangamata Fazilatunnesa Mujib, Sheikh Kamal, Sheikh Jamal and Sheikh Russell and other martyrs of August 15 were laid to eternal rest.

Sheikh Hasina placed floral wreaths and spread flower petals on their graves.

She also offered Fateha and doa seeking eternal peace of the departed souls of the martyrs of August 15.