Acting Prez pays homage to Liberation War martyrs, Zia, Khaleda

Acting President Hafiz Uddin Ahmed paid tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War at the National Memorial in Savar on Sunday.

Later, he also paid tribute at the graves of martyred President Ziaur Rahman, the proclaimer of independence, and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia at Zia Udyan in the capital's Sher-e-Bangla Nagar.

The Acting President arrived at the National Memorial at around 11:30 am, where he was welcomed by senior officials, including the chiefs of the three services. State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Ishraq Hossain and senior officials of the President's Office were also present.

Hafiz Uddin Ahmed placed a wreath at the altar of the National Memorial to pay tribute to the martyrs.

A smartly turned-out contingent of the three services presented him with a guard of honour, while a solemn tune was played on the bugle.

The Acting President then stood in silence for a while to honour the memory of the martyrs.

After the ceremony, he planted a sapling on the memorial premises and signed the visitors' book.

In his remarks in the visitors' book, the Acting President wrote that he felt blessed to pay tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the great Liberation War.

He said Bangladesh was established as an independent and sovereign state because of the supreme sacrifice and boundless patriotism of the martyrs.
He described the National Memorial as an eternal symbol of the nation's pride, sacrifice, unity and patriotism.

At the same time, he remembered with deep respect martyred President Ziaur Rahman, the proclaimer of independence.

"Everyone must work together to build a peaceful, prosperous, just and developed Bangladesh by upholding the spirit of the great Liberation War, the ideals of the Constitution and the dignity of the martyrs' sacrifice," he wrote.

He also prayed to Almighty Allah for eternal peace of the souls of the brave martyrs and for peace, prosperity and welfare of the country.

Later, at around 12:30 pm, the Acting President placed wreaths at the graves of martyred President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia at Zia Udyan in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar.

He also joined a special prayer seeking forgiveness and eternal peace for their souls.
State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Ishraq Hossain and officials concerned were present during the prayer.