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 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 Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina placed wreaths at 'Shikha Anirban' (the Eternal Flame) at Dhaka Cantonment in the morning to pay homage to members of the Armed Forces who had embraced martyrdom in the War of Liberation.

The chiefs of the three services paid courtesy calls on the President, who is also the supreme commander of the Armed Forces, at Bangabhaban and the Prime Minister at the Armed Forces Division at Dhaka Cantonment.

On the occasion, the Prime Minister hosted a reception and met the family members of the Bir Shresthas and other gallantry award-winning freedom fighters at the Armed Forces Division.

In the afternoon, Sheikh Hasina, who also holds the Defence portfolio, hosted a reception at Sena Kunja in Dhaka Cantonment commemorating the day.

The chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force also accorded receptions to the award-winning freedom fighters of their respective forces and their inheritors.

Besides, receptions were held at Savar, Bogra, Ghatail, Chattogram, Cumilla, Sylhet, Jashore, Rangpur, Khulna and Rajendrapur cantonments.

Meanwhile, programmes were held at all army garrisons, naval ships and establishments and air force bases throughout the country.

Specially decorated ships of Navy remained open at Sadarghat in Dhaka, Narayanganj, Chattogram, Khulna, Mongla, Chandpur and Barishal for visitors from 2pm till sunset.

Bangladesh Television (BTV) broadcast a special programme titled 'Anirban' after its 8 pm bulletin on Monday highlighting significance of the day.

Besides, Bangladesh Betar aired a special 'Durbar' programme at 7:30pm on Wednesday.

Besides, essay and drawing competitions were arranged in the educational institutions under the Armed Forces.