Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday paid rich tributes to the martyrs of the Liberation War by placing a wreath at the National Memorial in Savar, marking the Great Victory Day.

He laid the wreath at the altar of the National Memorial at around 6:56 am.

After placing the wreath, the Chief Adviser stood in solemn silence for some time as a mark of profound respect for the memories of the martyrs of the Great War of Liberation in 1971.

A smartly turned-out contingent drawn from the Bangladesh Army, Navy and Air Force presented a state salute on the occasion.

Prof Yunus later signed the visitors’ book kept at the memorial.

The Chief Justice, Advisers of the interim government, Chiefs of the three services, freedom fighters, diplomats, and senior civil and military officials, among others, were present on the occasion.

The nation is celebrating Victory Day today, the most joyous occasion marking the birth of the country, with elaborate programmes in remembrance of the supreme sacrifice of the martyrs.

On this glorious day in 1971, Bangladesh emerged as an independent nation after the Pakistani occupation forces surrendered, bringing to an end a bloody nine-month-long war.

The programmes include placing wreaths at the monuments to pay homage to martyrs, hoisting of the national flags, parachuting with the highest number of national flags, cultural events, arrangement of recitation, essay writing and painting competitions on the Liberation War for children and acrobatic show.

Besides, 54 paratroopers are scheduled to perform a flag-bearing skydive to mark 54 years of the country's journey, which is expected to set a Guinness World Record, according to a PID handout.

On Victory Day, the Bangladesh Army, Navy and Air Force will conduct separate fly-past exercises at the Old Airport in Tejgaon, Dhaka from 11 am.

Along with the government, different socio-political, educational and cultural institutions and organisations have chalked out a series of programmes to celebrate the day.

Families of the war heroes, wounded freedom fighters and other distinguished freedom fighters will also pay their tributes.

Foreign diplomats, political and social organisations as well as the general people will also lay wreaths in honour of the martyrs.

On this day, the national flag is being hoisted at all government, semi-government, autonomous, and private buildings, and important buildings.

The main streets and roundabouts in Dhaka and other cities are adorned with national flags.

Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Bangla Academy, National Museum, Liberation War Museum, and Bangladesh Sishu Academy, will organise discussions, cultural programmes, drawing competitions, essay writing contests, sports events, and screenings of Liberation War-related documentaries.