Dhaka, Feb. 18 -- Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has set out to realise what he described as the martyrs' dream of building a democratic and sovereign Bangladesh.

He wrote these words in the visitors' book at the National Memorial, paying tribute to the Liberation War heroes of 1971.

On Wednesday at 11am, the prime minister first offered respects individually, then with members of his cabinet.

In the book, Tarique wrote: "After fascist rule and oppression, the people, through a free and fair election, have chosen democracy by direct vote. Alhamdulillah. I give thanks to Allah."

Paying homage to the martyrs, he wrote: "As the newly elected prime minister, alongside the new cabinet, I humbly honour the Liberation War heroes of 1971 whose...