Dhaka, March 26 (NationPress) On this historic occasion, Bangladesh's President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman paid their respects to the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War by laying wreaths at the National Memorial, commemorating the nation's 56th Independence and National Day.

After the wreath-laying ceremony, both leaders observed a moment of silence to honor the memories of those who sacrificed their lives during the Liberation War.

Reports from local media indicate that the President and Prime Minister also signed the visitors' book at the memorial site.

March 26 is a significant date on which the nation honors the freedom fighters who bravely fought for Bangladesh's independence.

The struggle for independence began in the early hours of March 26, 1971, following a violent crackdown on unarmed Bangladeshi civilians by Pakistani forces on the night of March 25, an event now referred to as "Genocide Day."

Bangladesh secured its independence on December 16, 1971, after a nine-month-long war that resulted in the loss of three million lives and widespread atrocities, including the suffering of approximately two lakh women, as reported by the Bangladeshi news agency UNB.

In his address, PM Tarique extended greetings to the citizens and called for collective efforts to build a prosperous, developed, and dignified Bangladesh.

He stated, "March 26 is a momentous and historic day in our national journey. I remember with deep respect the valiant sons of our nation whose sacrifices paved the way for an independent and sovereign Bangladesh. I also express my heartfelt gratitude to the courageous freedom fighters and the mothers and sisters who endured so much suffering during our struggle for independence. I pray for the eternal peace of all martyrs' souls," as quoted in his statement on Wednesday.

PM Tarique urged the populace to uphold the values of "national unity, mutual tolerance, and patriotism" and said, "Let us draw inspiration from the significance of this Great Independence and National Day and dedicate ourselves, from our respective roles, to the betterment of our country. Together, we can work towards a developed, prosperous, and dignified Bangladesh."

As Bangladesh observes its Independence Day, critics have raised concerns, alleging that certain factions are attempting to undermine the ideals and principles of the Liberation War, particularly during the eighteen-month period of the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government.

Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has also criticized the previous Yunus-led interim government, claiming that the trial processes for several war criminals were halted during that time, and many convicted individuals were released.

She remarked, "A death-row war criminal was even allowed to serve in the National Parliament, thus dishonoring the sacrifices of millions of martyrs."

Hasina noted that ongoing efforts are being made to deliberately belittle the sacred memory of the martyrs and to reinstate collaborators of the Pakistani forces in various forms.

"This is not merely a distortion of history but an affront to the spirit of our fight for freedom," she emphasized.

Highlighting the unity exhibited during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, the former Prime Minister asserted that any attempts to rehabilitate the perpetrators and reintroduce Pakistani ideology into the country must be met with national solidarity.