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 Fajr prayers seeking divine blessings for the country’s welfare and progress and continued development and progress of the Armed Forces.
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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.
Bangladesh Television (BTV) will broadcast a special programme titled ‘Special Anirban’ after its 8 pm news bulletin on Wednesday highlighting the significance of the day.
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Bangladesh Betar will broadcast a special ‘Special Durbar’ programme at 7:30pm on Tuesday.
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. “Alongside contemporary training, state-of-the-art military equipment is being integrated into the forces as part of their modernization efforts. This undoubtedly makes the armed forces more advanced, capable, and dynamic.”
“For the development of the armed forces, deep trust in leadership, mutual respect, professional expertise and above all discipline are of utmost importance. It is expected that the members of the armed forces will always remain fully loyal to the state and its leadership, maintaining the glory of the armed forces through rigorous training and patriotism,” he said.
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.
“I extend my gratitude to you for assisting the civil administration in various activities, including tackling floods, ensuring security in industrial establishments, improving law and order, recovering weapons, and supporting the student-worker-public uprising. I hope that the members of the armed forces will continue to work alongside the people, safeguarding the country’s independence and sovereignty,” he said.
Yunus also wished for the overall success of all the programs undertaken on the occasion of 'Armed Forces Day 2024'.