This year, the spirit of March 26 is rekindled by a new force: the youth, inspired by the flames of the July Uprising

President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus have paid tribute to the valiant martyrs of the Liberation War as Bangladesh celebrates 54 years of independence.

The president placed a wreath at the National Memorial in Savar at 5:55am on Wednesday, followed by the interim government leader a short while later.

Bir Protik Faruk E Azam, advisor to the liberation war affairs and disaster management ministries, welcomed President Shahabuddin when he reached the memorial early in the morning. Industries Advisor Adilur Rahman Khan, Home Advisor Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Cabinet Secretary Sheikh Abdur Rashid and chiefs of the Armed Forces were also in attendance.

President Shahbuddin observed a minute of silence in reverence to the martyrs of the Liberation War after placing the wreath at the altar. The Armed Forces personnel presented the state salute while the bugle played a mournful tune.

Later, the president signed the visitors’ book.

Chief Advisor Yunus arrived at the memorial at 6:13am. He paid his respects to the martyrs and observed a minute in silence. He then signed the visitors’ book and exchanged greetings with foreign diplomats and advisory council members.

Bangladesh is marking the 54th anniversary of independence, with its red and green flag soaring high -- a symbol of hard-earned freedom wrested from Pakistani exploitation and oppression.

This year, the spirit of March 26 is rekindled by a new force: the youth, inspired by the flames of the July Uprising.

Their vision looks beyond victory, aspiring to build a future free of discrimination, where justice and equality flourish.

The country is adorned in red and green to celebrate the day Bengalis broke the shackles of oppression.