Dhaka: The 48^th Victory Day of Bangladesh is being celebrated across the country on Sunday.

The day begun with the paying of deep homage to the martyrs who laid down their lives for the country.

On this day in 1971, Pakistani occupation forces surrendered after a nine-month war resulting in a free, independent and sovereign Bangladesh.

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid rich tributes to the martyrs of the Liberation War by placing wreaths at the National Memorial in Savar with the rise of the sun on Sunday, reports the UNB.

The President and the Prime Minister laid wreaths at 6:42 am and stood in solemn silence there for some time as a mark of profound respect to the memories of the martyrs of the Great War of Liberation in 1971.

Sheikh Hasina also paid rich tributes to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in front of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi in the capital on the occasion.

After placing the wreath, the Prime Minister stood in solemn silence there for some time as a mark of profound respect to the memory of the great leader and the architect of the country’s independence.

Later, flanked by senior leaders of the party, Sheikh Hasina, the president of Bangladesh Awami League, placed another wreath at the portrait of the Father of the Nation as the party chief.

However, there will be no parade at the National Parade Ground in the capital this year due to the national election.

Besides, different socio-cultural and professional bodies and institutions, including Bangla Academy, Shilpakala Academy, National Museum, Muktujoddha Jadughar and Bangladesh Shishu Academy, are observing the day with elaborate programmes.

The day is a public holiday.

The national flag will be hoisted atop government, semi-government and private offices as well as offices of autonomous bodies across the country.

Important buildings and establishments will be illuminated at night. Important roads and road islands will be decorated with miniature national flags and colourful festoons.

National dailies brought out special supplements.

The state-owned and private televisions and radios are airing month-long special programmes highlighting the Liberation War.

Receptions will be hosted to freedom fighters and family members of the martyrs at city, district and upazila levels.

Special prayers will be offered in mosques and other places of worship, seeking salvation of the souls of martyrs of the Liberation War and peace, progress and prosperity of the country.

Improved diets will be served in jails, hospitals, orphanages and vagrant homes across the country.

Destitute children will be allowed to visit children’s parks and other recreational centres across the country free-of-cost.

Bangladesh missions abroad will also celebrate the day through different programmes.