Holding the spirit of the Liberation War, people across the country gathered at various monuments to pay tributes to the national heroes amid calls for trial of the war criminals and voting them out in the national polls.

Streets were flooded with the enthusiastic people carrying banners of different political, social, cultural and professional organisations, and singing patriotic songs.

There were cultural programmes to mark the auspicious occasion.

On this day in 1971, Pakistani occupation forces chief general AAK Niazi along with 93,000 troops surrendered to the joint forces of Mukti Bahini and Mitra Bahini in Dhaka.

Bangladesh proclaimed its independence on March 26, 1971 after 23 years of struggle for self-determination, bringing down the erstwhile West Pakistani armed forces' genocidal wrath on its people the night before.

In a heinous genocide, the Pakistan army and their local collaborators – Razakars, Al-Badrs and Al-Shams -- launched a barbarous crackdown on the innocent people of Bangladesh at midnight past March 25, 1971.

The nation, under the paramount leadership of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, finally clinched independence on December 16 after the nine-month war.

The day was a public holiday. The national flag was hoisted atop all government, semi-government and other important establishments. The day was heralded by a 31-gun salute at dawn.

President Iajuddin Ahmed and Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed placed wreaths at the National Mausoleum in Savar to pay homage to the Liberation War martyrs. They stood for a few moments in silence to pay respects to the gallant heroes of the soil.

Advisers, special assistants to the chief adviser, chiefs of three services of the armed forces, diplomats, freedom fighters, and senior civil and military officials, among others, went to the National Mausoleum to pay respect to the war heroes.

Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed inaugurated the victory day rally and parade of children and juveniles at the Bangabandhu National Stadium.

AL President Sheikh Hasina and the party leaders and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and other BNP leaders also placed flowers at the National Mausoleum at Savar.

Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), Jatiya Party, Liberal Democratic Party, Bangladesher Sanajtantrik Dal, Gonotantrik Biblobi Party, Sonar Bangla Party, Jatiya Gonotantrik League and other organizations – Ghatak Dalal Nirmul Committee, Bangabandhu Sangskritik Jote, Amra Muktijoddhar Santan, Kendrio Kochi-kachar Mela, Dhaka Reporters Unity, Garments Workers Unity Forum, Jatiya Samajtantrik Sramik Jote, Chhatra Oikya Forum, Bangladesh Nari Mukti Andolon, Bangladesy Jatiya Hindu Moitree Parishad also placed wreaths at the national memorial.

Meanwhile, freedom fighters and some political parties boycotted a reception at Bangabhaban by the President in protest against his move to invite Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami.

To mark the glorious day, newspapers published special supplements, television channels broadcasted special discussion and cultural programmes. Special prayers were offered in the mosques, temples and churches.

Bangla Academy, Shilpakala Academy, Bangladesh Shishu Academy, Liberation War Museum, Bangladesh Udichi Shilpi Goshthi and other socio-cultural organisations organised cultural programmes including film shows, painting competitions, songs and dramas.