Dhaka: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday morning paid tributes to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman by placing wreaths at the portrait of the great leader in front of the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi 32 in Dhaka on the occasion of historic Mujibnagar Day.

The prime minister first placed a wreath as the Prime Minister and stood there for some time in solemn silence as a mark of respect to the architect of independence.

Flanked by senior leaders of the party, Sheikh Hasina laid another wreath as the Awami League President paying homage to Bangabandhu.

Industries Minister Amir Hossain Amu, Commerce Minister Tofael Ahmed, Agriculture Minister Begum Matia Chowdhury, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader, AL leaders Dr Abdur Razzaque, Dr Hasan Mahmod, Enamul Haque Shamim, Ahmad Hossain were, among others, present.

On this day in 1971, the nation witnessed the oath‐taking of the country’s first government.

On 17 April, 1971, the mango‐grove village at Baidyanathtala witnessed the ceremonial formation of the provisional government of Bangladesh and millions of freedom‐loving people listened to the announcement of the formation of the government through radio.

Following the Pakistan occupation army’s attack on unarmed people on the night of 25 March  in 1971, the first government of an independent People’s Republic of Bangladesh was formed on 10 April in 1971 comprising the elected representatives with Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as its President, while Syed Nazrul Islam Vice‐President and Tajuddin Ahmad Prime Minister.

On 10 April, the elected representatives firmly supported and approved the declaration of independence by Bangabandhu on 26 March, 1971, and issued a formal proclamation of independence.