DHAKA: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Monday paid homage to father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on the occasion of the 65th founding anniversary of Awami League.

The premier, also AL president, placed wreaths at the portrait of Bangabandhu at Dhanmondi 32 in the city at 7:00am.

She also released pigeons and balloons to mark the anniversary.

At that time, AL general secretary Sayed Ashraful Islam told the journalists, “Our party’s achievement is much in 65 years, we have to go ahead with these achievements.”

Now Bangladesh Awami League that emerged as a new party –  Awami Muslim League – on June 23, 1949 in the then East Pakistan.

Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani and Shamsul Huq were elected as the party’s president and general secretary respectively while Sheikh Mujib a joint secretary.

Later, the word “Muslim” was later removed as the sign of non-communalism.

BDST: 0856 HRS, JUNE 23, 2014