Armed Forces Day celebrated

Special prayers were said at dawn at military bases all over the country. President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visited the Shikha Anirban (Eternal Flame) and placed floral wreaths in memory of the martyrs of the Liberation War. Chief of Army Staff General Abu Belal Muhammad Shafiul Haque, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Nizamuddin Ahmad, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Abu Esrar and Principal Staff Officer of Armed Forces Division Lt Gen Md Mahfuzur Rahman, who accompanied the president and the prime minister, jointly presented floral wreath on behalf of their respective forces. The three armed forces separately presented guards of honour to the president and the prime minister as well. Later, the prime minister awarded freedom fighters and the families of the martyred freedom fighters at the Armed Forces Division, where she distributed identity cards to 20 living freedom fighters. The Bahini Padak (forces medals) and Osamanya Seba Padak (outstanding service medals) were bestowed upon five officers of the armed forces to honour their service and dedication. The prime minister later met with the families of the freedom fighters for tea. To mark the Armed Forces Day, the army and air force chiefs will honour decorated freedom fighters from their own branches at separate receptions on Tuesday. The navy chief celebrated decorated freedom fighters from the navy at a reception held on Monday. A total of 21 highest gallantry award-recipient freedom fighters from Bangladesh Navy and their successors yesterday were honoured. In order to mark the nations 46 Armed Forces Day, the Bangladesh Navy arranged for some ships to be kept open to visitors from 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm in Sadarghat (Dhaka), Narayanganj, Chittagong, Khulna, Mongla and Barisal. “Bangladesh Navy often take such initiatives during different festivals or occasions including the Armed Forces Day. This time, ‘BNS Adomya’ has been kept open for the visitors with a view to providing basic concepts about naval life and activities to the country’s mass people,” said an executive official of the ship who was not authorised to speak before the media.