Dhaka: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday paid rich tributes to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on the occasion of the 96^th birthday of the great leader.

The Prime Minister paid the homage by placing a wreath at the portrait of Bangabandhu in front of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi 32 in the capital at about 7:00am.

After laying the wreath, the Prime Minister stood in solemn silence for some time as a mark of respect to the memory of the Father of the Nation.

Cabinet members, advisers to the Prime Minister and parliament members were present on the occasion.

Later, flanked by the central party leaders, Sheikh Hasina, also the president of Bangladesh Awami League, placed another wreath at the portrait of Bangabandhu on behalf of her party.

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will pay homage to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman by placing wreaths at his grave at Tungipara at 10 am.

The Prime Minister will also join a cultural programme, a children’s gathering and discussion arranged on the occasion at Tungipara. She will also inaugurate a book fair and distribute sewing machines there.

Besides, the ruling Awami League, its associated bodies, socio-cultural and political organisations chalked out elaborate programmes to mark the day in a befitting manner across the country.

The ruling party will organise a discussion marking the Bangabandhu’s birth anniversary at Bangabandhu International Conference Center at about 3:00pm on 18 March.

The birthday of Bangabandhu is being observed across the country today as the National Children’s Day.