Marking the Armed Forces Day, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Friday paid rich tributes to members of the Armed Forces who had sacrificed their lives during the Great War of Liberation in 1971.

He paid homage by placing a wreath at the altar of Shikha Anirban (Flame Eternal) at Dhaka Cantonment in the morning.

He stood in solemn silence for a while as a mark of profound respect for the martyrs after placing the wreath.

A smartly turned-out contingent of the Army, Navy and Air Force presented a salute at that moment while the bugle sounded the last post.

Prof Yunus also signed the visitors’ book kept there.

Earlier, upon his arrival at Shikha Anirban, he was received by the chiefs of the three services and senior officials of the Armed Forces Division.

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 started with the offering of special prayers at 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.

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.