Armed Forces Day is being observed today

Armed Forces Day will be observed across the country today with due respect and enthusiasm.

The day marks the formation of the Bangladesh Armed Forces—comprising the Army, Navy and Air Force—on this day in 1971, when they launched a coordinated offensive against the Pakistani occupation forces.

Since independence, the nation has commemorated this day annually as Armed Forces Day.

The day’s events will begin with special prayers after Fajr at mosques in all cantonments, naval bases and establishments, and air bases, seeking the country’s welfare, progress, and the continued advancement of the Armed Forces.

In the morning, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus will lay wreaths at ‘Shikha Anirban’ (the Eternal Flame) at Dhaka Cantonment to honour the Armed Forces members who sacrificed their lives during the Liberation War.

The chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force will also place wreaths at ‘Shikha Anirban’ in the morning, and later pay courtesy calls on the President and the chief adviser.

The chief adviser will host a reception at the Army Multipurpose Complex, where he will meet the families of the Bir Shresthas and other gallantry award–winning freedom fighters and present peace awards to Armed Forces personnel.

Programmes have also been arranged at all army garrisons, naval ships and bases, and air installations nationwide to mark the day.

On Thursday, Bangladesh Television (BTV) aired a special programme titled Special Anirban after its 8 pm news bulletin, highlighting the significance of the occasion. Bangladesh Betar will broadcast a special programme titled Special Durbar at 7:30 pm today. National newspapers will bring out special supplements.

Another reception hosted by the chief adviser will take place at Senakunja in Dhaka Cantonment at 4 pm today.

Invited guests include the chief justice, former presidents and chief advisers, advisers and dignitaries of equivalent rank, foreign ambassadors and heads of international organisations, justices, secretaries, former chiefs of the three services, senior retired military officers, families of the Bir Shresthas, Armed Forces personnel and their families, relatives of Army members martyred in the 2009 BDR (now BGB) tragedy, recipients of the Independence Award and Ekushey Padak, as well as journalists, academics and eminent citizens.

Bangladesh Television will broadcast the programme live.