Armed Forces Day will be observed across the country on Tuesday 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.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will place wreaths at ‘Shikha Anirban’ (the Eternal Flame) at Dhaka Cantonment in the morning to pay homage to members of the Armed Forces who 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 from their respective forces.
Later, the three chiefs will pay courtesy calls on the president at Bangabhaban and the Prime Minister at the Armed Forces Division at Dhaka Cantonment.
On the occasion, the Prime Minister will host a reception and meet the family members of the Bir Shresthas and other gallantry award-winning freedom fighters at Army Multipurpose Complex.
She will distribute peace awards to five army, three navy and three air force personnel for 2022-2023.
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 bulletin on Monday highlighting the significance of the day.
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 Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages on the occasion.
In his message, President Mohammed Shahabuddin said “For the development of the armed forces it is important to keep deep trust in leadership, mutual trust, respect, professional skills and above all to maintain discipline. I hope the members of the armed forces will make all-out efforts to uphold the glory of the armed forces by imbibing the spirit of the Liberation War with patriotism and remaining loyal to the state and leadership with the coordination of hard work and patriotism.. I pray for the continued prosperity of the armed forces and the continued happiness, peace and prosperity of all the members of the armed forces and their families.”
In her message, the Prime Minister said “I hope that the members of the Armed Forces will perform their duties with patriotism, professionalism and sincerity by imbibing the spirit of the Liberation War. We’ll be able to build a hunger-poverty-free and happy-rich golden Bangladesh dreamt by the Father of the Nation with the collective efforts of all.”