Rojina Akter Trisha

Newly elected President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on August 22 paid solemn tribute to the martyrs of Bangladesh’s great Liberation War by placing a wreath at the National Memorial in Savar. The visit marked one of his first major ceremonial engagements after assuming the country’s highest constitutional office and underscored the enduring significance of the Liberation War in Bangladesh’s national identity.

The President arrived at the National Memorial and placed a wreath at 10:27 am. Following the wreath-laying ceremony, he stood in silence for several moments to honour the memory of those who sacrificed their lives for the independence and sovereignty of Bangladesh.

A smartly turned-out contingent representing the Bangladesh Army, Bangladesh Navy and Bangladesh Air Force subsequently accorded the President a guard of honour. The ceremony reflected the traditional state protocol associated with paying respect to the nation’s fallen heroes.

After the formalities, President Mirza Fakhrul signed the visitors’ book at the National Memorial. In his message, he expressed profound respect for the martyrs of the Liberation War, describing their sacrifice, courage and patriotism as the foundation of an independent Bangladesh.

He wrote that the National Memorial stands as an eternal symbol of national pride, sacrifice, unity and patriotism. According to the President, the monument should continue to inspire future generations to uphold patriotism and contribute to the process of nation-building.

The President also paid tribute to Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, Bir Uttam, whom he described as a proclaimer of independence, as well as former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. He highlighted their patriotism, leadership and struggle for democracy, saying that their contributions would remain an enduring part of Bangladesh’s national history.

In his message, President Mirza Fakhrul also emphasized the importance of collective efforts to build a peaceful, just, democratic, welfare-oriented and prosperous Bangladesh. He called for the spirit of the Liberation War, constitutional ideals and respect for the sacrifices of the martyrs to serve as guiding principles for the country’s future.

His remarks placed particular emphasis on national unity and democratic development. The President pledged that the country’s leaders and citizens should work together to strengthen Bangladesh while preserving the dignity of those who gave their lives during the Liberation War.

At the conclusion of his visit, the President planted a Magnolia Grandiflora sapling on the National Memorial premises and watered it before leaving. The symbolic act added an environmental and commemorative dimension to his visit, representing growth, continuity and hope for future generations.

Earlier, President Mirza Fakhrul was received at the National Memorial by State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Ishraque Hossain. Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Khondkar Misbah Ul Azim, Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, Military Secretary to the President Major General A S M Bahauddin, Public Division Secretary AJM Salahuddin Nagari, President’s Press Secretary Md Sarwar Alam and the GOC of Savar Cantonment were also present.

The President’s visit to the National Memorial carried both ceremonial and political significance. By placing a wreath and reaffirming the importance of the Liberation War, democracy, constitutional values and national unity, he sought to frame his presidency around respect for the country’s history and a commitment to its future.

The National Memorial remains one of Bangladesh’s most important symbols of independence. President Mirza Fakhrul’s pledge to build a peaceful, democratic and prosperous Bangladesh therefore linked the memory of the martyrs with the responsibilities of the present generation. His message concluded with a prayer for the forgiveness of the souls of the martyrs and wishes for continued peace, prosperity and welfare for Bangladesh.