DHAKA, Dec 16: Bangladesh celebrated 37 years of independence on Tuesday, as tens of thousands visited a national memorial outside the capital and political parties held rallies for upcoming elections.

The day began with a 31-gun salute at dawn, followed by masses heading to a memorial to pay homage to those killed during the 1971 war.

Schoolchildren held parades, while neighborhoods organised exhibitions, sports matches, concerts and fairs to mark ‘’Victory Day’.’

The red and green national flag flew atop houses and cars.

Meanwhile, the country’s two main political parties and their allies held campaign rallies ahead of the Dec 29 parliamentary elections.

Bangladesh has been under a state of emergency since January 11, 2007, when President Iajuddin Ahmed cancelled scheduled elections to quell months of violent political protests.—AP