The Australian High Commission in Dhaka commemorated the 104th anniversary of Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (Anzac) Day on Thursday.
The day is devoted to Australian and New Zealand servicemen and women who died in wars and conflicts around the world, including 30 buried in Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemeteries in Bangladesh.
High Commissioner of Australia Julia Niblett, along with Bangladesh government representatives, Director General of DGFI (Directorate General of Forces Intelligence) Major General Saiful Abedin, Chargé d' Affaires of Turkey Enis Faruk Erdem, and Honorary Consul of New Zealand Neaz Ahmed, placed wreaths at a remembrance service to honour the departed.
Anzac Day is held on April 25 in remembrance of the day in 1915 when Anzac troops landed in Gallipoli, Turkey.
That was the first time Australian troops fought together as a nation. During the eight month Gallipoli campaign, over 8,700 Australians were killed.
Thursday's commemorative service highlighted the sacrifice of servicemen from the Royal Australian Air Force and the Royal New Zealand Air Force who served with British Royal Air Force squadrons in both the Burma and India/Ceylon sectors, including around Chittagong, during the Second World War.
A number of these airmen lost their lives while supporting the jungle fighters and now lie buried in the Chittagong and Comilla war cemeteries.
The day is also remembered for the contribution of those at home who support and care for those in service, and often deal with the loss or injuries of loved ones.
