President Iajuddin Ahmed and Prime Minister Khaleda Zia yesterday gave separate messages paying tributes to the late leader.

The president in his message said Sher-e-Bangla played the pioneering role in formation of Rin Salishi Board (Debt Arbitration Board) to set free the oppressed farmers from debt cycle during the British rule.

"His contributions toward welfare of common people is a glorious chapter of the history," the president said.

Prime Minister Khaleda Zia said patriotism of Sher-e-Bangla would remain as a source of inspiration for the people of Bangladesh forever.

She said the philosophy of politics of the late leader was the welfare of the downtrodden.

Different socio-cultural and political organisations have drawn up elaborate programmes to observe the day.

Sher-e-Bangla Jatiya Smriti Sangsad will place wreath at the mazar and offer special prayer. It will also hold milad-mahfil and a discussion in the city. Researchers on Sher-e-Bangla, lawyers, litterateurs and political leaders will take part in the discussion.

Sher-e-Bangla National Youth Front and the students of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University will place wreath at the mazar in the morning.

Special prayer and milad mahfil will be held at 5:00pm today at House no 59, Road no 4, Block-C, Banani in the city.