Dhaka, March 26 (PTI): A 31-gun salute heralded Bangladesh's 36th Independence Day and National Day today with the non-party leadership vowing to clean up the political system with focus on graft.

Bangladesh's President Iajuddin Ahmed and Chief Advisor Fakhruddin Ahmed were the first to place wreaths at the National Martyrs' Memorial in nearby Savar district early today.

On March 26, 1971, the independence of Bangladesh was formally declared, leading to the Liberation War against the Pakistani occupation forces, resulting in the emergence of a sovereign state on December 16, 1971.

President Ahmed called upon all Bangladeshi citizens to work unitedly to expedite overall development, economic self-reliance and democratic progress.

Chief Adviser of the caretaker government Fakhruddin Ahmed in his message urged all Bangladeshis to stand united in the spirit of 1971 to achieve the goals of the Liberation War together and fulfil the dreams of the martyrs.

He said his government was carrying out a number of fundamental reforms to strengthen democracy and establish good governance. He also mentioned an "all-out drive" to curb corruption and crime and establish the rule of law, undertake initiatives to infuse dynamism into the economy, increase public welfare and uphold people's interests.

The country's founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared Bangladesh's independence on March 26 before he was taken prisoner by the Pakistani forces from his home in capital Dhaka's Dhanmondi area.

Former premiers Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina Wajed issued separate statements to mark the day. President Ahmed will host a reception at his official Bangabhaban residence later in the day. The day is a public holiday in the country.