Armed Forces Day will be observed across the country on Monday 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 Abdul Hamid 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.
President Abdul Hamid, who is also the supreme commander of the Armed Forces, and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages on the occasion.
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.
In the afternoon, Sheikh Hasina will also host a reception at 4pm at Sena Kunja in Dhaka Cantonment to commemorate the day.
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 inheritors.
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.
The national dailies will publish special supplements on the occasion.
President Abdul Hamid, who is also the supreme commander of the Armed Forces, and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages on the occasion.
In his message, President Abdul Hamid said the government has formulated ‘Forces Goal 2030’ to modernize the Armed Forces. Under the purview of it, modern military equipment is being added to the Armed Forces which will undoubtedly make the forces more modern, efficient and dynamic.
He also expected that, by imbibing the spirit of the great liberation war, the members of the Armed Forces will make every effort to uphold the glory of the armed forces through loyalty to the state and leadership with the coordination of hard work and patriotism.
In her message, Prime Minister said “I hope that the members of Armed Forces will perform their duties with patriotism, professionalism and sincerity by imbibe 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.”