Armed Forces Day today

The Armed Forces Day is being celebrated today amid festivity and enthusiasm, marking the establishment of the forces during the Liberation War.

The day's programmes begin with offering of special prayers after Fazr prayers at all mosques in all the cantonments and naval and air force bases throughout the country on the day, seeking divine blessings for the well-being and prosperity of the nation and progress of the armed forces, said an ISPR press release.

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina already issued separate messages on the eve of the day. Besides, while the PM's speech, marking the Armed Forces Day-2020, will be aired simultaneously through Bangladesh Television and other private televisions and radios at 7:30pm today.

As part of the day's programme, military secretary to the president, on behalf of him, and military secretary to the prime minister, on behalf of her, will place wreaths at the Shikha Anirban (the Eternal Flame) at Dhaka Cantonment this morning, paying homage to the martyred armed forces' members who laid down their lives in the Liberation War.

Later, Army Chief General Aziz Ahmed, Navy Chief Admiral M Shaheen Iqbal, and Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Masihuzzaman Serniabat will place wreaths at the Shikha Anirban on behalf of their respective forces.

On the occasion, chiefs of the three services will call on the president at the Bangabhaban and the prime minster at the Gono Bhaban on the day.

PM's Security Affairs Adviser Major General (retd) Tarique Ahmed Siddique and principal staff officer of the Armed Forces Division will be present at the meeting with the PM.

The authorities, however, have decided to celebrate the day this year on a limited-scale due to the coronavirus pandemic. Therefore, Bangladesh Navy ships in Dhaka, Khulna, Chandpur, Barishal and Chattogram will not be open for the general people this year.

The Bangladesh Betar would broadcast the "Special Durber" programme at 7:30pm today.

Later, the "Special Anirban" programme would be telecast by other private television channels, while the national dailies will publish special supplements highlighting the significance of the day.