Armed Forces Day will be observed across the country on Friday with due solemnity and enthusiasm.
On this day in 1971, the 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 country's independence, the day has been observed as the Armed Forces Day every year.
The day’s programs will start with the offering of special prayers at mosques of all cantonments, naval outposts and establishments and air force outposts after Fajr prayers seeking divine blessings for the country’s welfare and progress and continued development and progress of the Armed Forces.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus will place wreaths at “Shikha Anirban” (the Eternal Flame) at Dhaka Cantonment in the morning to pay homage to the members of the Armed Forces who had sacrificed their lives in the Liberation War.
The chiefs of the three services will place wreaths at “Shikha Anirban” at Dhaka Cantonment in the morning.
Later, the three chiefs will pay courtesy calls on the president and the chief adviser.
On the occasion, the chief adviser will host a reception and meet the family members of the Bir Shresthas and other gallantry award-winning freedom fighters at the Army Multipurpose Complex.
He will distribute peace awards to armed forces personnel.
Meanwhile, programs have been chalked out to observe the day at all army garrisons, naval ships and establishments and air force bases throughout the country.
Bangladesh Television (BTV) will broadcast a special program after its 8pm news bulletin on Thursday, highlighting the significance of the day.
Bangladesh Betar will broadcast a special program at 7:30pm.
The national dailies will publish special supplements on the occasion.
A reception will also be hosted by the chief adviser at Senakunja, Dhaka Cantonment, at 4pm on the day.
Bangladesh Television will broadcast the program live.