The nation celebrated the 39th Independence Day Thursday with a fresh pledge to try the war criminals and build a modern Bangladesh free from terrorism, corruption, poverty and illiteracy, reports UNB.

This year the Independence Day was observed sans pomp and grandeur following the bloody mutiny at the BDR headquarters on February 25-26, but amid a resurgence of the spirit of the liberation war.

National Parade, a major feature of the Independence Day, was cancelled due to the mutiny that left a good number of army officers dead.

The authorities tightened security measures at important places to thwart any unholy design, as there had been reported threats from militants.

However, the capital took on a festive look, in a solemn mood though, as there were lots of cultural functions held and the historic 7th March speech of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman played all around.

President Zillur Rahman and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina placed wreaths at the National Mausoleum at Savar at about 6:00am and stood in solemn silence for a few minutes paying their respects to the independence martyrs.

A smartly turned-out contingent of armed forces gave state salute while the army bugle played the last post.

Speaker Abdul Hamid, Chief Justice MM Ruhul Amin, cabinet members, advisers to the Prime Minister, state ministers, MPs, diplomats, chiefs of the three services and senior civil and military officials were present.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also placed wreath at the portrait of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Dhanmondi 32 at 7:00am on the occasion.

Leader of the Opposition and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia laid wreath at the National Mausoleum to pay her tributes to the martyrs. Later, she visited the Mazar of slain President Ziaur Rahman and offered Fateha.

Thousands of freedom-loving people of all ages visited the Mausoleum paying their glowing tributes to the martyrs who laid down their lives to free the Bengalis from the repressive Pakistani rule in 1971.