Armed Forces Day will be observed across the country today with due solemnity and enthusiasm.
On this day during the 1971 Liberation War, the Bangladesh Armed Forces comprising the Army, Navy and Air Force came into being and launched an all-out attack on the Pakistani occupation forces.
President and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Leader of the Opposition Khaleda Zia have issued separate messages to mark the occasion.
In his message, the president said the nation remembers with deep gratitude the contribution of the armed forces to the Liberation War effort.
The prime minister said the armed forces personnel have been working in disaster relief, in infrastructure construction, in serving the distressed people and in various nation building activities alongside performing their professional duties.
Khaleda Zia, in her message, greeted the members of Army, Navy and Air Force and wished continued happiness, peace and progress on them and their families.
Tributes were also paid to all martyrs of the liberation war, including all martyred soldiers of the armed forces.
Today’s programme will begin with the offering of a special prayer after Fajr prayers at all mosques: seeking divine blessings for the army garrisons and naval and air force bases throughout the country.
The president and the premier will place wreaths at “Shikha Anirban” at Dhaka Cantonment to pay homage to the members of the armed forces who had embraced martyrdom in the Liberation War.
Chief of Army Staff General Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan, Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral M Farid Habib and Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Muhammad Enamul Bari will also place wreaths at “Shikha Anirban” on behalf of their respective services.
On this occasion, the premier 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, the premier, who also holds the Defence portfolio, will host a reception at Sena Kunja in Dhaka Cantonment to commemorate the day.
Army, Navy and Air Force headquarters will also accord receptions to the members of the shaheed families, award-winning and retired freedom fighters of their respective services.
Receptions will also be held in Savar, Bogra, Ghatail, Chittagong, Comilla, Sylhet, Jessore, Rangpur, Khulna and Rajendrapur cantonments.
