Dhaka, Feb. 20 -- The president and the prime minister have led the nation in paying tributes to the 1952 Language Movement martyrs at the Central Shaheed Minar during the first watch of the Immortal Ekushey.

At 12am on Saturday, Mohammed Shahabuddin laid the first wreath, followed shortly after by Tarique Rahman, honouring those who gave their lives for linguistic rights.

After the tribute, thousands gathered at the Shaheed Minar joined a special prayer for the souls of the language martyrs.

Following this, the prime minister paid tribute again, accompanied by members of his cabinet along with his advisors.

Leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) then placed their wreaths at the altar.

The three service chiefs -- Army Chie...