Hasina, the eldest daughter of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, stepped into her 57th year yesterday.

The joyous crowd, who came with boxes of sweets, cakes, crests, flowers and bouquet, met a smiling Hasina from early morning and wished her good health and long life.

A large group of children greeted her with song and wished her a happy life. Hasina's scientist husband, Wajed Ali Miah, accompanied her for a while as people from all walks of life exchanged greetings with her.

As there was no formal programme, she did not cut any birthday cake. She woke up early, offered her Fazr prayers and recited from the holy Quran as usual to begin the day.

"I never celebrate my birthday with festivity. When my mother was alive, she used to cook special foods and gave me gifts like a new dress or saree," she told journalists when asked to make a comment on her birthday.

In an emotion-choked voice, Hasina, who lost her dear ones on August 15, 1975, said: "I now miss the tender care and love of my parents and the affection of my brothers."

Thanking people, who came to wish her, she said: "Birthday is nothing to celebrate…they came and prayed for me and that's the only meaningful thing in my life, my great achievement."

Leaders of Awami League, Jubo League, Chhatra League, Mohila Awami League, Jubo Mohila League, Shechhasebak League and Bangabandhu Sangskritik Jote greet their leader.