Dhaka, March 26 -- President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday paid rich tributes to the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War, marking the 56th Independence and National Day.

They placed wreaths at the altar of the National Memorial in Savar at 5:56am.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman arrived at the memorial at 5:53am, his Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon said.

On the President's arrival, the Prime Minister received him at the memorial.

After placing the wreaths, they stood in solemn silence for a while as a mark of deep respect for the martyrs.

A smartly turned-out contingent of the Bangladesh Army, Navy and Air Force presented a state salute, while bugles played the last post.

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