United News of Bangladesh

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s official vehicle carried the national flag for the first time on Thursday since he assumed office. The flag was seen on the Prime Minister’s car as he travelled to and from the National Memorial in Savar early in the morning to pay tribute to the martyrs marking Independence and National Day. Since taking charge on February 17, the Prime Minister had been using his personal white car, which does not carry the national or prime ministerial flag. However, on Thursday, he used the designated official vehicle bearing both the national flag and the Prime Minister’s flag, said his Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon. He said the Prime Minister left his Gulshan residence early in the morning and reached the National Memorial at 5:53am. Rumon said the Prime Minister maintained a limited protocol during the visit. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan received the Prime Minister on his arrival at the memorial. The Additional Press Secretary said members of the Cabinet, chiefs of the three services and other senior officials travelled to Savar by bus this time. He said an estimated 4,500 litres of fuel are usually used to transport VVIPs and VIPs at such state events. “Considering fuel savings, limited protocol and fewer vehicles were used this time, and the VIPs travelled by bus,” he added.   Earlier, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman paid tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War by placing wreaths at the memorial at 5:56am. After placing the wreaths, they stood in silence for a while as a mark of respect, while a contingent of the Bangladesh Army, Navy and Air Force presented a state salute and bugles played the last post. The Chief Justice, Cabinet members, chiefs of the three services, war-wounded freedom fighters, family members of martyrs, diplomats and senior civil and military officials were present. Later, the Prime Minister placed another wreath at the memorial along with members of his Cabinet. As BNP Chairperson, he also paid tribute with senior party leaders. The Prime Minister also exchanged greetings with war-wounded freedom fighters, family members of martyrs and other guests present at the memorial, and signed the visitors’ book. Later, he went to Sher-e-Bangla Nagar and paid tribute at the graves of former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia by placing wreaths. He first paid tribute as Prime Minister along with Cabinet members, and later as BNP Chairperson with party leaders. He later returned to his residence in Gulshan.

The nation is celebrating the 50th Victory Day with elaborate programmes paying deep homage to the martyrs who laid down their lives for the country during the Liberation War.   Bangladesh was born as an independent country on this day in 1971 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. Bangladeshis at home and abroad will celebrate the day.

The nation is observing a one-day state mourning on Wednesday in honour of former Indian President Pranab Mukherjee.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday paid tributes to former Awami League lawmaker from Bogura Abdul Mannan by placing a wreath on his coffin at the South Plaza of Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.