President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday paid rich tributes to the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War, marking the 56th Independence and National Day.

They placed wreaths at the altar of the National Memorial in Savar at 5:56am.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman arrived at the memorial at 5:53am, his Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon said.

On the President’s arrival, the Prime Minister received him at the memorial.

After placing the wreaths, they stood in solemn silence for a while as a mark of deep respect for the martyrs.

A smartly turned-out contingent of the Bangladesh Army, Navy and Air Force presented a state salute, while bugles played the last post.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan, Housing and Public Works Minister Zakaria Taher, State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Ishraq Hossain, Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani and the chiefs of the three services were present.

Later, the Prime Minister laid another wreath along with members of his Cabinet.

As BNP Chairman, Tarique Rahman also placed wreaths at the memorial along with party leaders including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.

They later offered special prayers, seeking forgiveness for the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War, the 1990 anti-autocracy movement and the July 2024 uprising, as well as for the departed souls of former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, and for the welfare of the country.

Family members of Bir Sreshtha awardees, war-wounded freedom fighters, freedom fighters and diplomats also paid tribute by placing wreaths.

The day’s programmes began with a 31-gun salute in the capital at dawn.

After the VIPs paid their respects, the memorial was opened to the public.