Dhaka, Dec. 16 -- The nation is celebrating Victory Day, the most joyous occasion marking the birth of the country, on Tuesday with elaborate programmes in remembrance of the supreme sacrifice of the martyrs.

On this glorious day in 1971, Bangladesh emerged as an independent nation after the Pakistani occupation forces surrendered, bringing to an end a bloody nine-month-long war.

The government has taken extensive programmes to celebrate the day which began with a 31-gun salute in Dhaka.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday paid rich tributes to the martyrs of the Liberation War by placing a wreath at the National Memorial in Savar, marking the Great Victory Day.

He laid the wreath at the altar of the National Memorial at arou...