Armed Forces Day today

The Armed Forces Day that marks the establishment of Bangladesh military during the 1971 Liberation War is being observed today with due solemnity and enthusiasm.

On this day during the Liberation War in 1971, Bangladesh Armed Forces comprising army, navy and air force came into being and launched an all-out attack on the Pakistani occupation forces.

Since the independence, the day has been observed as the Armed Forces Day every year.

The day’s programmes has started with the offering of special prayers in mosques of all cantonments, naval outposts and establishments and air force outposts after Fazr prayers seeking divine blessings for the country’s welfare and progress and continued development and progress of the Armed Forces.

President Abdul Hamid and prime minister Sheikh Hasina placed wreaths at ‘Shikha Anirban’ (the Eternal Flame) at Dhaka Cantonment in the morning to pay homage to members of the Armed Forces who had embraced martyrdom in the War of Liberation.

President Abdul Hamid, who is also the supreme commander of the Armed Forces, and prime minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages on the occasion.

The chiefs of the three services will pay courtesy calls on the president at Bangabhaban and the prime minister at the Armed Forces Division at Dhaka Cantonment.

On the occasion, the prime minister will host a reception and meet the family members of the Bir Shresthas and other gallantry award-winning freedom fighters at the Armed Forces Division.

In the afternoon, prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who also holds the Defence portfolio, will host a reception at Sena Kunja in Dhaka Cantonment to commemorate the day.

Among others, the speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad, the chief justice, former presidents, the leader of the opposition in Parliament, ministers and dignitaries of the equivalent status, chief election commissioner and election commissioners, judges of the Supreme Court, foreign diplomats and MPs of Dhaka are expected to attend the reception.

The chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force will also accord receptions to the award-winning freedom fighters of their respective forces and their inheritors.

Besides, receptions will be held at Savar, Bogra, Ghatail, Chittagong, Comilla, Sylhet, Jessore, Rangpur, Khulna and Rajendrapur cantonments.

Meanwhile, programmes have been chalked out to observe the day at all army garrisons, naval ships and establishments and air force bases throughout the country.

Specially decorated ships of Navy will remain open at Sadarghat in Dhaka, Narayanganj, Chittagong, Khulna, Mongla, Chandpur and Barisal for visitors from 2:00pm to 4:30pm.

Bangladesh Television (BTV) is scheduled to broadcast a special programme, titled ‘Anirban’, after its 8 pm bulletin on Monday highlighting significance of the day.

Besides, Bangladesh Betar will broadcast a special ‘Durbar’ programme at 7:30pm.

The national dailies will publish special supplements on the occasion.
Besides, essay and drawing competitions will be arranged in educational institutions under the Armed Forces.