Dhaka: The nation on Thursday observed the Jail Killing Day with due solemnity.

On November 3, 1975, four national leaders and heroes of the country's 1971 Liberation War -- Syed Nazrul Islam, Tajuddin Ahmad, Captain Mansur Ali and AHM Quamruzzaman -- were assassinated inside the Dhaka Central Jail.

The four leaders played a key role in forming the Mujibnagar government in exile that led the Liberation War of 1971 with Syed Nazrul Islam as the acting president, Tajuddin Ahmad as the prime minister, Mansur Ali as the finance minister and AHM Qamruzzaman as the home, relief and rehabilitation minister.

Awami League, its associate bodies and other political parties observed the day with elaborate programmes.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid rich tributes to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman by placing floral wreaths at his portrait on the occasion of the Jail Killing Day.

Sheikh Hasina first laid a wreath as the Prime Minister at the portrait of Bangabandhu in front of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi-32 in the capital at about 7:00am.

She also stood there in solemn silence for some time as a mark of respect to the memories of the architect of independent Bangladesh.

Members of the Cabinet and central leaders of Awami League and its associate bodies were present on the occasion.

Later, flanked by senior party leaders, Sheikh Hasina laid another wreath at the portrait of Bangabandhu as the President of Awami League.

The ruling party leaders placed wreaths at the graves of the four national leaders at Banani graveyard and offered fateha. A milad mahfil and special munajat were also held there.

The AL also organised a memorial meeting at Krishibid Institution with Prime Minister and Awami League president Sheikh Hasina in the chair.