DHAKA: President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid rich tributes to martyrs at the National Mausoleum in Savar, on outskirts of capital Dhaka, Wednesday morning to mark the 44th Independence Day.

The president placed floral wreaths at 6:00pm followed by the premier. Later they observed a minute’s silence there and a team of three Armed Forces gave the guard of honors separately.

Later, cabinet members paid homage to martyrs of 1971 to mark the national day.

The President and PM left the Memorial premises at 6:17am.

Curious people along with the leaders and activists of Awamil League were seen standing on the both sides of the Dhaka-Aricha Highway holding festoon and placards to receive the PM since the morning.

BDST: 0858 HRS, MAR 26, 2014