Dhaka: President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid their deep homage to the martyrs of the historic Language Movement by placing wreaths at the Central Shaheed Minar here at one minute past midnight tonight on the occasion of Amar Ekushey and the International Mother Language Day.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina arrived at the Shaheed Minar seven minutes before the clock struck 12 midnight. President Abdul Hamid reached the Central Shaheed Minar just before the zero hour.

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina proceeded to the altar of the Central Shaheed Minar together in slow pace as the immortal song on Amar Ekushey—“Amar Bhaiyer Rakte Rangano Ekushey February”—was playing.

The President was the first to lay the wreath at the Central Shaheed Minar. Just after the President, the Prime Minister placed the wreath at the Shaheed Minar. They stood in solemn silence for some time as a mark of profound respect to the memories of the Language Heroes.

Ministers, advisers to the Prime Minister, parliament members, chiefs of three services, diplomats, senior Awami League leaders, high civil and military officials were present on the occasion.

Later, Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, visiting West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Leader of the Opposition Begum Raushan Ershad, Jatiya Party Chairman HM Ershad and visiting Speaker of the House of Lords of the United Kingdom Baroness D’ Souza placed wreaths at the Central Shaheed Minar.

On arrival at the Shaheed Minar, the President was received by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Vice Chancellor of Dhaka University Professor Dr AASM Arefin Siddique.

Flanked by cabinet members and senior leaders of the party, Sheikh Hasina, also the President of Bangladesh Awami League, later placed another wreath at the Shaheed Minar on behalf of the party.

After placing the wreaths, the Prime Minister exchanged greetings with the West Bengal chief minister.