DHAKA, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) -- With due solemnity and rich tributes paid to the martyrs of the Liberation War of 1971, Bangladesh Friday celebrated its 52nd Victory Day.
On this day in 1971, Bangladesh emerged as an independent country.
The Victory Day's programs in the country commenced with a 31-gun salute followed by rich tributes of Bangladeshi President Md Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the National Mausoleum in Savar on the outskirts of the national capital Dhaka in the early hours.
A smartly turned-out contingent of the Bangladesh Armed Forces, meanwhile, gave a state salute, while a bugle played a dirge.
The national flag is hoisted atop all government and private buildings while the government and semi-government buildings and other public places are illuminated and roads and islands are decorated with flags and festoons in Dhaka and elsewhere in the country.
Special prayers are being offered in mosques, temples, pagodas and other places of worship for the departed souls and the country's peace, progress and prosperity.
Newspapers have published special supplements marking the day while televisions and radio stations aired special programs. ■