On the occasion of Armed Forces Day, the chiefs of Bangladesh's Army, Navy, and Air Force paid a courtesy call on President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban on Thursday evening. Army Chief General Wakar-uz-Zaman, Navy Chief Admiral M Nazmul Hassan, and Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan briefed the President on the activities and initiatives of their respective forces, including special programs organized for the commemorative day. President Shahabuddin extended his congratulations to all members of the armed forces and their families, highlighting their pivotal role in the nation's history. “The armed forces, formed through the Liberation War, are a symbol of our pride,” he said, adding that their efforts in United Nations peacekeeping missions continue to elevate Bangladesh's reputation on the global stage. He also acknowledged the military's critical role in maintaining law and order during key moments in the nation’s history, such as the aftermath of the anti-discrimination student movement. The President praised their ongoing commitment to safeguarding the country’s independence and sovereignty. Yunus, Khaleda exchange greetings at Senakunja Secretaries concerned to the President were also present during the meeting.    

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia made her first appearance at the Armed Forces Day reception at Senakunja in 12 years on Thursday. This marks her first public appearance and participation in a state function in six years, since her imprisonment in February 2018. The last time she attended the Armed Forces Day reception was in 2012. Khaleda Zia, the 79-year-old former Prime Minister, accompanied by the wife of her late son Arafat Rahman Koko, left her Gulshan residence around 3:30pm and arrived at the reception venue around 3:45pm. Earlier, on Tuesday night, the Armed Forces Division of the Chief Adviser’s Office invited Khaleda, also a three-time former Prime Minister, to attend the reception at Senakunja. Chief of General Staff (CGS) Lieutenant General Mizanur Rahman Shamim and Principal Staff Officer (PSO) Lieutenant General ASM Kamrul Ahsan handed over the invitation letter to Khaleda. Twenty-six other BNP leaders, including Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and other senior leaders, have also been invited to attend the reception. Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has presented as the chief guest at the reception at Senakunja. Armed Forces Day is being celebrated today (Thursday) with various programmes amid festivity and enthusiasm, commemorating the establishment of the army, navy, and air force during the 1971 Liberation War. Read: Armed Forces Day: Chief Adviser Yunus pays tribute at Shikha Anirban Khaleda Zia has been grappling with a range of serious health issues, including liver cirrhosis, heart, lung, kidney and eye problems. She has undergone multiple treatments at Evercare Hospital in the capital since her conditional release, under the supervision of a medical board led by Prof Shahabuddin Talukder. The BNP has made all necessary arrangements to send her abroad for specialised treatment at an advanced medical center. Khaleda Zia was imprisoned in Old Dhaka Central Jail on February 8, 2018, after being sentenced to five years in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case. On October 30, 2018, the High Court increased her sentence to 10 years. She was later convicted in the Zia Charitable Trust corruption case. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the government temporarily released her on March 25, 2020, suspending her sentence for 776 days with conditions to remain at her Gulshan residence and not leave the country Read more: President Shahabuddin remembers Liberation War martyrs on Armed Forces Day On August 6, Khaleda Zia was completely as President Mohammed Shahabuddin exempted her from her punishment, exercising his powers under Article 49 of the Constitution.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Thursday paid tribute to the martyrs of the Bangladesh Liberation War by placing a wreath at the Shikha Anirban (Eternal Flame) in the Dhaka Cantonment area. The president paid the tributes to the martyrs to commemorate the Armed Forces Day today. He was accompanied by the chiefs of the armed forces and other military personnel while paying the homage at 8 am. After placing the wreath the president, who is also the Supreme Commander of Armed Forces, stood there in solemn silence for a while as a mark of respect to the memories of the martyrs who made supreme sacrifices during 1971 War of Liberation. Later, a smartly turned out contingent of the Army, Navy and Air Force presented a salute on the occasion. President Shahabuddin also signed the visitors’ book there. Traffic restrictions in Dhaka Cantonment today for Armed Forces Day On his arrival at Shikha Anirban, chiefs of the three services and the principal staff officer (PSO) of the Armed Forces Division received the president. Khaleda to join Armed Forces Day reception after 11 years Bangladesh observes November 21 as Armed Forces Day marking the day in 1971 when the army, the navy, and the air force launched a coordinated offensive against occupation Pakistani forces.  

Vehicular movement in Dhaka Cantonment is restricted today (Thursday), in observance of Armed Forces Day. According to a press release from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the primary road from Shaheed Jahangir Gate to Staff Road will have limited access from 7:00 am to 11:00 am and 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Only vehicles carrying residents of the cantonment and invited guests will be allowed during these hours. All other vehicles are requested to avoid the area during the specified times to ensure smooth execution of the day’s events. Honouring the Armed Forces The day began with special prayers at mosques within army cantonments, naval bases, and air force establishments across the country, seeking blessings for national prosperity, the progress of the Armed Forces, and the departed souls of freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives in the 1971 Liberation War. President Md Sahabuddin and Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus, in their messages, paid tributes to the Armed Forces for their contributions to the nation. They laid wreaths at the Shikha Anirban in Dhaka Cantonment to honour the martyrs. The Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Mohammad Nazmul Hasan, and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmud Khan also placed wreaths on behalf of their respective forces. Celebrations Across the Nation A reception hosted by the Chief Adviser at the Army Multipurpose Complex in Dhaka Cantonment will recognise gallantry award recipients and their families. The event will include speeches, the distribution of commemorative gifts, and interaction between distinguished guests, including members of the judiciary, senior civil and military officials, foreign diplomats, and renowned personalities. Later in the afternoon, a formal reception will be held at the Senakunja in Dhaka Cantonment to be broadcast live by Bangladesh Television. Armed Forces Day to be observed Thursday Similar receptions are planned at cantonments in Barishal, Cox's Bazar, Bogura, Sylhet, Ghatail, Chattogram, Jashore, Rangpur, and Khulna under the respective area headquarters. Specially decorated naval vessels in Dhaka, Khulna, Chandpur, Barishal, and Chattogram will remain open to the public from 2:00 pm to sunset. Besides, the Armed Forces Day is marked by essay and art competitions at military-run educational institutions. Khaleda to join Armed Forces Day reception after 11 years National newspapers have published special supplements highlighting the significance of the day. The Armed Forces Day is celebrated with enthusiasm and reverence across Bangladesh, reflecting the nation’s pride in its military forces.  

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'.  

Dr Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, a gallantry award-recipient valiant freedom fighter, has said that along with safeguarding the independence and sovereignty of the country, members of the armed forces have also earned global appreciation for maintaining peace and stability in conflict-torn regions of the world. Chowdhury, also an adviser to the prime minister on power, energy and mineral resources, said Bangladesh’s armed forces is making huge contributions to the country’s ongoing development under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC hosted a reception on Monday to celebrate the 51st Armed Forces Day. Chowdhury, who is currently in USA, attended the event. Read more: New Delhi mission celebrates Bangladesh's Armed Forces Day Gabe Camarillo, Under Secretary of US Army, was present at the function. Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA, Muhammad Imran, also spoke at the event held at Bangabandhu Auditorium of the Embassy. Lieutenant General Michael T. Plehn, President of National Defence University, USA; and Afreen Akhter, US Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, were also present at the event. The programme began with the playing of the national anthems of Bangladesh and USA. A short documentary on the activities of the Bangladesh Armed Forces was screened. Dr Chowdhury greeted the members of the armed forces on the occasion of the Armed Forces Day and recalled with profound respect the great sacrifice and long struggle of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who led the nation to achieve its long-cherished independence. He also recalled with deep respect the bravery and supreme sacrifice of the valiant freedom fighters – both military and civilians – in the Liberation War. Under Secretary of US Army Gabe Camarillo said USA and Bangladesh celebrated the 51st anniversary of Bangladesh Armed Forces and 50 years of friendly relations between the two countries. Noting that Bangladesh is the world's largest troop contributors to the UN Peacekeeping Operation, he said the United States recognises the sacrifice of the Bangladesh Armed Forces both for defence of the country in Bangladesh and maintaining peace and stability around the world. Ambassador Imran paid deepest homage to the architect of Bangladesh, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman under whose leadership Bangladesh achieved final victory on December 16, 1971 following a nine-month-long armed Liberation War. He noted with satisfaction the multifaceted cooperation between the armed forces of Bangladesh and the United States – in terms of UN peacekeeping operations, sharing of knowledge and experiences, training, procurement and exchange of visits, etc. Read more: PM Hasina hails the Armed Forces for standing by the people : PM Diplomats and Defence 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. Defence Attaché of Bangladesh Embassy Brigadier General Md Shahedul Islam welcomed the guests at the reception and thanked the USA for the support and cooperation extended that is mutually beneficial for the two countries. Minister (Political-1) Dewan Ali Ashraf conducted the programme.

The Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi on Monday celebrated the Armed Forces Day, vowing to uphold the image of Bangladesh Armed Forces and boost the country's positive image across the world. To celebrate the day, Lieutenant General Tarun Kumar Aich, director general of Military Intelligence of the Indian Army was the chief guest at the programme. Many war veterans of the Indian Armed Forces, diplomats of different countries and most of the defence advisers or attaches residing in Delhi attended the event. Read more: PM Hasina hails the Armed Forces for standing by the people : PM Lieutenant General Tarun laid a floral wreath to the portrait of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and paid homage to all martyrs of the Liberation War of 1971. The national anthems of both countries were played. Also, a video clip on the contribution of the Bangladesh Armed Forces was played. Brigadier General Md Abul Kalam Azad, defence adviser at the Bangladesh mission, delivered the welcome speech. He highlighted the progression of defence cooperation between India and Bangladesh, as well as the advancement of Bangladesh Armed Forces at home and in the international arena. Md Mustafizur Rahman, the high commissioner of Bangladesh to India, highlighted the strong diplomatic ties between the neighbouring countries. Lieutenant General Tarun stressed the deep connection between the two armed forces, assuring to elevate the defence cooperation to a newer height. Read more: Armed Forces Day: President pays tributes to martyrs  

Chiefs of the three services on Monday paid a courtesy call on President Abdul Hamid at Bangabhaban on the occasion of Armed Forces Day. Chief of Army Staff General S M Shafiuddin Ahmed, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Shaheen Iqbal, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Shaikh Abdul Hannan met the President at 7:30 pm, President's Press Secretary Md Joynal Abedin briefed the reporters. Read: Armed Forces Day: President pays tributes to martyrs He said the Chiefs of Army, Navy and Air Force briefed the President about various activities of their respective forces during the meeting. President Hamid said that the members of the armed forces have brought honour to the country through their activities at the national and international levels. President hoped that the members of the armed forces will be able to contribute more to the development of the country in the future by increasing their professional skills.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday lauded the country’s military for standing by the side the people during natural disasters and other crisis. “I believe that our army is now truly the people's army. The armed forces stand beside the people during any disaster and accident and extend their cooperation to them,” she said. The premier was addressing a civic and military gathering at a reception arranged at Senakunja of Dhaka Cantonment on the occasion of the Armed Forces Day 2022. Read more: Bangladesh has changed a lot under Awami League govt: PM Hasina We want peace, not war: Hasina said Bangladesh doesn’t want war against anyone, but instead wants peace and friendly relations with all the countries. “We’ll not fight against anyone. We want peace,” she said. The PM said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had framed the policy of ‘Friendship to All, Malice to None’ (the cornerstone of the country’s foreign policy) and this is being followed by her government. On this day during the War of Liberation in 1971, the Bangladesh Armed Forces comprising Army, Navy and Air Force, came into being and launched an all-out attack on the Pakistani occupation forces which accelerated the victory in the Liberation War. Since the independence of the country, this historic day is observed as the Armed Forces Day. She said her government has relentlessly been working for the socio-economic uplift of the common people of the country by keeping the friendly relations with all countries of the world in line with the policy. Bangladesh out of this situation: PM Sheikh Hasina said her government can take ahead the development programmes since a democratic trend continues now, but unfortunately the Covid-19 pandemic affected the progress of the country. She said the prices of commodities and transport cost soared significantly due to the Ukraine-Russia war and sanctions following the pandemic. “Even then we’ve been trying as much as possible so that our people don’t suffer (from price-hikes of essentials),” she said, adding that they are trying to purchase from every possible source to ease their sufferings.  Read more: Armed Forces Day: PM pays tribute at Shikha Anirban She focused on the ongoing food programmes run by the government to support the poor people amid this crisis. “We’ve been implementing all sorts of steps to improve the life and livelihood of the people,” she added. The PM said Bangladesh was recognised as a role model for development, but the pandemic, war and sanctions have put the country largely into trouble. Economic recession is now seen everywhere including the UK, the US and Europe, she added. “In this situation, our economy still remains vibrant and is moving. But with cooperation from all, we would definitely be able to take it out of this situation (trouble),” said Hasina. She reiterated her call to grow more foods and cultivate every piece of arable land. Focusing on her government’s steps to modernise the armed forces, the premier said she has developed every force and built up every institute so that the Army, Navy and Air Force can move, keeping the pace with the world as the Armed Forces of Bangladesh are working in the United Nations peacekeeping missions. She said the peacekeepers of Bangladesh have been working in the UN missions for 34 years with dedication and pride. Now Bangladesh is the largest contributor to the UN peacekeeping operations, she added. PM’s Security Affairs Adviser Major Gen (retd) Tarique Ahmed Siddique and the chiefs of the three services were present. Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, cabinet members, political leaders, foreign diplomats, leading figures representing different professions, editors, senior civil and military officials and their spouses, among others, attended the reception.

President Abdul Hamid on Monday paid tribute to the martyred members of Armed Forces on the occasion of Armed Forces Day-2022. He placed a wreath at the altar of Shikha Anirban (flame eternal) at Dhaka Cantonment this morning. Read more: Armed Forces Day: PM pays tribute at Shikha Anirban Hamid, also the supreme commander of the Armed Forces, stood in solemn silence for some time to show profound respect to the memories of the martyrs members of armed forces, who made supreme sacrifices during the Liberation War.