President Mohammed Shahabuddin, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck paid solemn homage to the martyrs of the Liberation War by laying wreaths at the National Martyrs' Memorial on the outskirts of the capital early this morning, marking the 54th Independence and National Day.

The visit of Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, who is currently on a four-day official visit to Bangladesh at the special invitation of President Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to celebrate the 54th Independence Day, underscores the strong bonds between the two nations. The King, accompanied by his wife, honored the heroes of the Liberation War by placing a wreath at 5:57 am, following the President and the Prime Minister.

Bhutan holds a special place in Bangladesh's history, being the first country to recognize Bangladesh as an independent state on December 6, 1971. King Wangchuck's visit after 11 years reaffirms the enduring friendship between the two countries.

After laying the wreaths, a moment of solemn silence was observed by the President, Prime Minister, and the Bhutanese King as a mark of deep respect for the martyrs of the Great War of Liberation in 1971. A contingent from the Bangladesh Army, Navy, and Air Force paid tribute with a state salute, accompanied by bugle renditions of the last post.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, along with party leaders, also paid tribute to the Liberation War martyrs by placing another wreath at the National Memorial on behalf of the Bangladesh Awami League.

The commemoration was attended by representatives from various sectors, including parliament, judiciary, armed forces, diplomatic corps, and civil society, along with valiant freedom fighters and high-ranking officials.

Every year, March 26 serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during the nine-month struggle for independence, culminating in the cherished freedom attained on December 16, 1971. The proclamation of independence by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on this day marked the beginning of a new era for the Bengali Nation.