DHAKA, March 26 (Xinhua)– Bangladesh celebrated its 46th independence day on Saturday, paying tributes to the war heroes.
A 31-gun salute at dawn heralded the day, which is also the national day of Bangladesh. On March 26, 1971, Bangladesh declared independence from Pakistan.
Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and ex-Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, among others, placed wreaths at the National Monument at Savar, some 30 km north of capital Dhaka, at sunrise on Saturday.
Tens of thousands of people from all walks of life gathered in front of the national monument to pay respect to the war heroes.
National flags were flown on the buildings of the government and private offices while the government and semi-government buildings and other public places were illuminated on the auspicious occasion.