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. Khaleda to join Armed Forces Day reception after 12 years 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. Khaleda invited to Armed Forces Day reception 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'.  

An ISPR release has sought to quell speculation and calm nerves around the situation prevailing at the Bangladesh-Myanmar maritime boundary adjacent to St Martin's island. The ISPR, or Inter Services Public Relations, is the public communications wing of the Bangladesh Armed Forces. It said in the context of ongoing internal conflicts in Myanmar, the Myanmar military is conducting joint operations against the Arakan Army in Rakhine State. Due to this conflict between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army, there have been incidents of unwanted firing on Bangladeshi boats in the Naf River and the adjacent estuary area. BGB Chief orders heightened vigilance along Bangladesh-Myanmar border The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh expressed deep concern and protested the danger posed to Bangladeshi subjects on June 12, 2024. The ISPR release sent today said the Myanmar Navy is positioning near the maritime boundary of Myanmar and the Naf River, near St. Martin's Island, and firing artillery towards the positions of the Arakan Army. At the same time, the Arakan Army is also firing back at the Myanmar Navy. Currently, multiple warships of the Myanmar Navy are conducting these operations on the Myanmar border. The Myanmar Navy is also keeping the Bangladesh Navy informed about its presence in Myanmar’s maritime boundary near St. Martin’s Island. It is noteworthy that the internal conflict in Myanmar continues on the mainland and the adjacent coastal areas. Furthermore, near St. Martin's Island, multiple ships of the Bangladesh Navy and Coast Guard are regularly patrolling from within Bangladesh’s maritime boundary, monitoring the movements of Myanmar’s ships. "As the ongoing internal conflict in Myanmar approaches near St. Martin's, there have been various rumors spread by interested parties on social media regarding the security of St. Martin's. Everyone is requested not to be misled by such rumors," the ISPR said. Read more: Need to find new partners to raise more int’l fund for Rohingyas: PM Hasina to IOM

Deputy Chief of Staff of US Army, Lieutenant General Patrick Matlock, has highly praised the Bangladesh Armed Forces for their contribution to safeguarding national independence and establishing world peace. Speaking as the chief guest at a reception hosted by the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, he said the Bangladesh Armed Forces have been at the forefront of security and national independence, providing relief to fellow citizens in times of natural disasters, sheltering the destitute and bringing peace and stability around the globe. Noting that Bangladesh is the world’s largest troop contributor to the United Nations Peacekeeping Operation, Lieutenant General Matlock said the world is grateful for the sacrifice in the contribution of the Bangladeshi troops. He pointed out the partnership between the armed forces of Bangladesh and the US, and welcomed the continued expansion of this partnership for peace and prosperity in the years to come. The Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC hosted the reception at the Bangabandhu Auditorium of the embassy on Tuesday to celebrate the 52nd Armed Forces Day, the embassy said on Thursday. Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States Muhammad Imran and Defence Attaché of the Embassy Brigadier General Md Shahedul Islam spoke at the event. Lieutenant General Gerry Glavy, Deputy Commandant of US Marine Corps; Afreen Akhter, US Deputy Assistant Secretary at the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs; Lieutenant Colonel Seamas Whitsel, Director for South Asia Regional Affairs of US National Security Council, joined the reception, among others. BNP-Jamaat want to grab power by burning people: PM Hasina tells Armed Forces Day reception Alternate Executive Director of the World Bank Dr. Ahmad Kaikaus was also present at the function. Ambassador Imran paid deepest homage to the architect of Bangladesh, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who led the nation to achieve its long-cherished independence. He also recalled with profound respect three million martyrs, including the members of the armed forces, for their great sacrifice in the War of Liberation. He mentioned the multifaceted collaboration between the armed forces of Bangladesh and the United States, saying that the two countries share convergent views on a range of defense and security issues. The ambassador said as a development partner and friend, the US has extended support to Bangladesh in the past in its development journey, and Bangladesh looks forward to working together closely with further engagements to take the relations to new heights. Defence Attaché of Bangladesh Embassy Brigadier General Md Shahedul Islam welcomed the guests at the reception and thanked the US for the support and cooperation extended that is mutually beneficial for the two countries. Minister (Political) Md. Rashedujjaman conducted the program. The function began with the national anthems of Bangladesh and the United States. Then a short documentary on the activities of the Bangladesh Armed Forces was screened. Ambassadors, diplomats and defense attaches from a number of countries, senior officials from the Pentagon, Department of State, and other US organizations, members of Bangladeshi diaspora and embassy officials and employees attended the function. The program ended with the cutting of a cake by the chief guest in presence of other dignitaries. Armed Forces Day: Chiefs of three services call on President Shahabuddin

Bangladesh Armed Forces have earned a total Tk 27,941 crore by participating in different UN peacekeeping missions abroad in the 23 fiscal years since 2000-01. Law Minister Anisul Huq, who is in charge of defense ministry in parliament, gave the figures in the House while replying to a tabled question of ruling Awami League MP Habibur Rahman from Bogura-5. New censorship law passed in parliament Habibur Rahman wanted to know about the amount of foreign currencies the Armed Forces of Bangladesh have earned so far through participating in the peacekeeping missions and how much foreign remittances the government has received. New customs law passed in parliament In the scripted answer, Anisul informed the House that the average income through participating in the peacekeeping mission has been Tk 1214 crore. PM states Bangladesh’s anti-war position during meeting with Vice-President of European Parliament

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. Read more: Be ready to fight if enemy attacks peace-loving Bangladesh, PM urges armed forces 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.”

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday asked the members of the Bangladesh Armed Forces to work as ‘frontline soldiers’ to implement the Perspective Plan 2041 to make Bangladesh a developed country. “Work as frontline soldiers to implement the 2041 perspective plan being imbued with patriotism. I expect it from the members of our armed forces,” she said. The Prime Minister was addressing the graduation ceremony of the National Defence Course (NDC) and Armed Forces War Course (AFWC)-2021, joining it from her official residence Ganobhaban. Read:Take preparations to face graduation challenges: Hasina to business community The graduation ceremony was held at Sheikh Hasina Complex, DSCSC of Mirpur Cantonment. Sheikh Hasina said the armed forces members are always ready for the supreme sacrifice in any crisis alongside protecting the country’s sovereignty. She said they participated in various activities as frontline fighters in facing the Covid-19 pandemic and earned praise for their works. “They’ve been working sincerely in the infrastructural and socioeconomic development of the country apart from facing the disasters,” the Prime Minister said. A total of 88 trainees, including 27 foreign military members, participated in the NDC 2021 and 55 in the AFWC 2021. So far, 383 members of the Armed Forces from 24 friendly countries have received higher education and training at the NDC. The chiefs of the three services and the NDC commandant and its faculties were present at the event.

Armed Forces Day will be observed across the country on Sunday 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. Read: Armed Forces Day: 3 chiefs visit President in Bangabhaban 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 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. Read: Armed Forces Day: President pays tribute at Shikha Anirban 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 virtually 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. On the occasion, the speaker of the parliament, the chief justice, former presidents of the country, opposition leader of the parliament, cabinet ministers, state ministers, former chief advisors, election commissioners, journalists, educationalists and other high officials will be present as guests. 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. Specially decorated ships of the Navy will remain open at Sadarghat in Dhaka, Chattogram, Khulna, Chandpur and Barishal for visitors from 2pm till sunset. Bangladesh Television (BTV) was scheduled to broadcast a special programme titled ‘Special Anirban’ after its 8 pm bulletin on Sunday highlighting the significance of the day. Bangladesh Betar will broadcast a special ‘ Special Durbar’ programme at 7:30pm on Sunday. The national dailies will publish special supplements on the occasion. Besides, online essay and drawing competitions will be arranged in educational institutions under the Armed Forces.

The 122-member proud contingent of Bangladesh Armed Forces comprising of soldiers of the Bangladesh Army, sailors of the Bangladesh Navy and Air Warriors of the Bangladesh Air Force will lead the contingent march on the Rajpath as India celebrates its Republic Day on Tuesday.

Bangladesh will participate in India’s Republic Day Parade in New Delhi on January 26.

Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) has been providing emergency air transport and medical evacuation assistance in aid under Bangladesh Armed Forces from the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic.