Armed Forces Day today

Armed Forces Day will be observed across the country on Thursday with due solemnity and enthusiasm.

On this day in 1971, Bangladesh Armed Forces comprising army, navy and air force came into being and 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 Mohammed Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus will place wreaths at "Shikha Anirban" (the Eternal Flame) at Dhaka Cantonment in the morning to pay homage to the members of the Armed Forces who had sacrificed their lives in the War of Liberation.

The chiefs of the three services will place wreaths at "Shikha Anirban" at Dhaka Cantonment in the morning.

Later, the three chiefs will pay courtesy calls on the president and the chief adviser.

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

He will distribute peace awards to armed forces personnel.

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

BTV will broadcast a special programme titled "Special Anirban" after its 8:00pm news bulletin today highlighting the significance of the day.

The national dailies will publish special supplements on the occasion.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus issued separate messages on the occasion.

In his message, the president said a strong, modern, and well-trained armed force is one of the key prerequisites for safeguarding a nation's sovereignty.  In his message, the chief adviser said from the country's independence struggle to addressing floods, droughts, storms, rains, and cyclones, the armed forces have always been the ultimate refuge for the affected people. As always, during the current critical times of the nation, the Bangladesh Armed Forces have once again stood by the people, he said.