United News of Bangladesh

Acting President Hafiz Uddin Ahmad on Sunday paid tribute to the martyrs of the War of Liberation, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. He laid a wreath at the National Memorial in Savar around 11:40am to pay homage to those who sacrificed their lives during the War of Liberation in 1971. After placing the wreath, the acting President observed a moment of silence as a mark of respects for the martyrs. He was also given a guard of honour by a contingent of the Armed Forces. Later, he signed the visitors' book. Hafiz Uddin reached the memorial at 11:35am and exchanged pleasantries with the chiefs of three services and other officials. From the National Memorial, the acting President came to Zia Mausoleum in Zia Udyan in the city’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar area and paid tribute to Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia by laying wreaths at their graves. Following the tribute programmes, he went to the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. Hafiz Uddin assumed the responsibilities of the acting President on Friday as the Jatiya Sangsad Speaker in accordance with the Constitution following the resignation of President Mohammed Shahabuddin. Shahabuddin submitted his resignation letter to the Speaker under Article 50(3) of the Constitution, citing ill health.