Grieving families join in Janaza, last salute.................

Grieving families, the president, army chief and hundreds of others joined in prayers and solemn tribute Monday to 50 victims of the BDR mutiny, including BDR director general Maj Gen Shakil Ahmed.

Namaj-e-janaza was held in the morning for 48 army officers, the DG's wife Nazneen Shakil Shipu and a soldier slain during the Feb 25-26 armed rebellion at Peelkhana.

The coffins, draped with national and army flags, were carried in a solemn parade with a guard of honour through the cantonment to the National Parade Ground in the morning. Thousands in subdued mood lining the streets en route.

The bodies arrived at the square in an atmosphere overwhelmed with grief.

They were given gun and air salutes as relatives, friends and colleagues broke down in tears, many clutching wreaths to pay a last tribute to their near ones.

The bereaved families, president Zillur Rahman, cabinet members, army chief Gen Moeen U Ahmed, air chief SM Ziaur Rahman, navy chief ZU Ahmed, political leaders, freedom fighters and members of civil society joined in the janaza prayers.

The khatib of the army central mosque in Dhaka Cantonment, Md Mahmudul Haque, conducted the prayers at around 10:45am at the parade ground.

After the janaza, prayers were held for the salvation of the departed souls.

The president and three chiefs of armed forces laid wreaths on the coffins after the prayers. A wreath was also offered on behalf of the prime minister.

Major Nahid conducted the morning's programme.