Australian High Commission in Dhaka has paid tribute to Australian and New Zealand servicemen and women who died in wars and conflicts marking the 106th Anniversary of Anzac Day, On 25 April 1915, troops from the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) landed in Gallipoli, Turkey.  That was the first time Australian troops fought together as a nation. Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Jeremy Bruer on Sunday paid his homage in a private rehearsal service at the High Commission.  Bruer said, “Anzac Day is the day Australians come together in remembrance. But as we continue to face the COVID-19 pandemic, we come together in spirit, instead of in person, to keep the Anzac spirit alive and honour our veterans and service.” The High Commissioner remembered the brave individuals who have served, and continue to serve, during times of war and peace, including the 30 Australian and New Zealand airmen who died in the Burma campaign during the Second World War, and whose graves are located at the Chittagong and Comilla War cemeteries. Also read: Australian HC pays tributes to Concert for Bangladesh anniversary    Among the tens of thousands of soldiers from many countries who lost their lives during the eight-month-long campaign were more than 8,000 Australians and 2,700 New Zealanders. As a descendant of one of the original Anzacs, Mr Bruer said one of the aspects of Anzac Day of which he was most proud was the way it has brought old enemies together. The High Commissioner said that during the Gallipoli campaign the ANZACs forged a reputation for courage in adversity, dedication to duty and self-sacrifice.  Recognising the difficult circumstances arising from the COVID-19 crisis, the High Commissioner thanked service personnel around the world, who are playing their important part in responding to the pandemic and helping to save lives.

Traditional crowds at dawn services for the Anzac Day memorial holiday in Australia were replaced with candlelit vigils in driveways and neighbors gathering to listen to buglers play "The Last Post."

Australian High Commission in Dhaka has decided not to host a public Anzac Day service this year due to the global outbreak of COVID-19 saying it is a difficult decision they made.    Anzac Day, falls on April 25, commemorations are a long-standing tradition in Bangladesh, said the High Commission on Sunday adding that they recognise that many Australians and New Zealanders here will be disappointed.   In making the decision to cancel this year’s service, the High  Commission considered carefully restrictions on movements and gatherings governments have imposed in Australia and Bangladesh.     The safety and health of participants and guests from Bangladesh and the international community remain their highest priorities,  said the High Commission.   Anzac Day is an occasion of utmost importance and solemnity for Australians.     It offers a few moments of personal reflection, when they demonstrate their respect for those who have served and those who continue to serve in our nation’s defence forces, including the 102,000 or more Australians who have died in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations worldwide.   The Australian War Memorial will televise a national dawn service that will be live-streamed on Australia’s Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) social media accounts.     "We encourage all Australians and New Zealanders and all our international friends in Bangladesh to watch the service online and to pause and reflect in ways that are meaningful to them," said the High Commission.