Dhaka: President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday paid deep homage to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as the nation is observing the 42nd anniversary of his martyrdom in a sombre mood.

President Hamid and Prime Minister Hasina paid tributes 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 Dhaka in the morning.

The day is being observed as the National Mourning Day.

As part of the state programmes, at first the President and then the Prime Minister laid wreaths separately at the portrait of Bangabandhu. After placing the wreaths, the President and the Prime Minister stood in solemn silence for some time showing 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 tune of grief and somber to the last post.

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

Bangabandhu, his spouse Sheikh Fazilatunnesa 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.

Two daughters of Bangabandhu—Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana—escaped the carnage as they were abroad at that time.

Sheikh Rehana, the youngest daughter of Bangabandhu, Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, Chief Justice SK Sinha, cabinet members, Prime Minister’s advisers, senior leaders of Awami League and 14-Party and senior government officials were present.

Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury and Chief Justice SK Sinha followed the President and the Prime Minister in paying tributes to Bangabandhu.

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 the tributes to Bangabandhu, the Prime Minister along with her sister Sheikh Rehana visited the historic residence of Bangabandhu at Dhanmondi Road No. 32 which witnessed the world’s most barbaric carnage on this day 42 years ago.

Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana 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 the eternal rest.

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

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