President Abdul Hamid hosted a reception at Bangabhaban yesterday marking the country's 48th Victory Day. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, freedom fighters, politicians, civil and military officials, diplomats and professionals joined the reception. The President along with his wife Rashida Khanom and the Prime Minister cut a cake and released balloons on the occasion.

President Hamid exchanged greetings with members of National Cadet Core of India, Sri Lanka, Nepal and the Maldives, injured freedom fighters and the family members of Birsreshthas and other guests.

Valiant freedom fighters and family members of Birshreshtha gallantry award recipients also attended the reception.

The Chief Justice, cabinet members, diplomats, chiefs of three services, members of parliament, senior political leaders, senior civil and military officers, academics, business community leaders, senior journalists, artistes and distinguished citizens also joined the gathering.

Former President AQM Badruddoza Chowdhury, Gonoshasthya Kendra founder Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury and Prime Minister's Energy Advisor Dr Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, among others, attended the programme.

Earlier, President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid rich tributes to the martyrs of the Liberation War by placing wreaths at the National Mausoleum in Savar with the rise of the sun.