Dhaka, Dec 16 (IANS): Bangladesh Tuesday celebrated the 43rd anniversary of its victory over the Pakistani forces in 1971 War of Liberation in which about three million people were killed.

The war that started at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's call ended after the Pakistan Army surrendered Dec 16,1971 at Race Course Maidan (now Suhrawardy Udyan) in Dhaka, bdnews24 reported.

The day's programme began with 31-gun salute at National Parade Ground in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar.

It was followed with paying tributes to the martyrs at the National Memorial at Savar.

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid their homage at the memorial earlier in the day.

Speaker Shirin Shramin Chaudhary, Deputy Speaker Fazle Rabbi Mia, Leader of Opposition Raushan Ershad, Jatiya Party chief H.M. Ershad and diplomats of many countries also paid their respects to the martyrs.

Thousands gathered at the Memorial to honour the heroes who gave their lives to free the country.

The Victory Day parade will be held at the National Parade Grounds. Hamid and Hasina are scheduled to attend the parade.

The national flag will be hoisted atop all government, semi-government, autonomous and private offices across the country.

Important buildings and establishments would be illuminated at night.

Special prayers will be offered in mosques, temples, pagodas and other places of worship, seeking peace, progress and prosperity for the country and its people.