Armed Forces Day today

Armed Forces Day is being observed across the country today with due solemnity and enthusiasm.

On this day in 1971, Bangladesh Armed Forces comprising army, navy and air force came into being and they launched an all-out attack on the Pakistani occupation forces.

Since the country's independence, the day has been observed as the Armed Forces Day every year.

The day's programmes will start with the offering of special prayers in mosques of all cantonments, naval outposts, and establishments and air force outposts after Fazr prayers seeking divine blessings for the country's welfare and progress and continued development and progress of the Armed Forces.

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will place wreaths at "Shikha Anirban" at the Dhaka Cantonment in the morning to pay homage to the members of the Armed Forces who sacrificed their lives during the Liberation War.

The president, also the supreme commander of the Armed Forces, and the prime minister issued separate messages on the occasion.

The chiefs of the three services will place wreaths at "Shikha Anirban" in the morning on behalf of their respective forces.

Later, the three chiefs will pay courtesy calls on the president at the Bangabhaban and the PM at the Armed Forces Division at the Dhaka Cantonment.

On the occasion, Hasina will host a reception and meet the family members of the Bir Shresthas and other gallantry award-winning freedom fighters at Army Multipurpose Complex virtually.

The premier will host another reception at 4:00pm at Sena Kunja of the Dhaka Cantonment.

The chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force will also accord receptions to the award-winning freedom fighters of their respective forces and their descendants.

Meanwhile, programmes have been drawn up to observe the day at all army garrisons, naval ships and establishments and air force bases throughout the country.

Specially decorated Navy ships will remain open for visitors at Sadarghat in Dhaka, Chattogram, Khulna, Chandpur and Barishal from 2:00pm till sunset.

Bangladesh Television will air a special programme titled "Special Anirban" after its 8:00pm bulletin today highlighting the significance of the day.

Bangladesh Betar will broadcast "Special Durbar" programme at 7:30pm.

The national dailies will publish special supplements on the occasion.

Besides, essay and drawing competitions will be arranged online in educational institutions.