Armed Forces Day is observed

The Armed Forces Day is observed across the country with due respect and enthusiasm marking the founding of army, navy and air force during the Liberation War in 1971.

On this day during the Great War of Liberation in 1971, the Bangladesh armed forces comprising army, navy and air forces, came into being and launched all-out attack on the Pakistani occupation forces.

The day’s programme began with the offering of special prayers after Fazr prayers in all mosques in all the cantonments, naval and air force bases throughout the country seeking divine blessings for the well-being and prosperity of the nation and progress of the armed forces, said an ISPR press release.

President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina placed wreaths at the Shikha Anirban (the eternal flame) at Dhaka Cantonment paying deep homage to the martyred armed forces members who laid down their lives in the Liberation War.

At that time, a smartly drawn squad of the armed forces presented a guard of honour to the President and the Prime Minister. After placing wreaths, they signed the visitor’s book at the Shikha Anirban.

Earlier on their arrival, the President and the Prime Minister were received by chiefs of the three services and principal staff officers of the armed forces division.

Army chief General Abu Belal Muhammad Shafiul Huq, Navy Chief Admiral Mohammad Nizamuddin Ahmed and Air Force Chief Marshal Abu Esrar also offered wreaths at Shikha Anirban on behalf of their respective forces.

Chiefs of the three services called on the President at Bangabhaban here marking the Armed Forces Day.

From the Shikha Anirban, the Prime Minister went to the armed forces division where chiefs of the three services made a courtesy call her.

Then the Prime Minister accorded a reception at the armed forces division to the family members of the Bir Shresthos and other gallantry award winning veterans of 1971. Family members of seven Bir Shresthos and 70 gallantry award winning freedom fighters took part in there.

Minister for Liberation War Affairs AKM Mozammel Haq, PM’s Security Adviser Major General (Retd) Tarique Ahmed Siddique, Military Secretary Major General Mia Mohammad Zainul Abedin and Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim, Defence ministry Senior Secretary Kazi Habibul Awal, secretary of the Liberation War Affairs Ministry MA Hannan, chiefs of the three services and other senior civil and military officers were present at the function.

In the afternoon, the Prime Minister hosted a reception at “Sena Kunja” in Dhaka Cantonment.

Marking the day, chiefs of the army and air force will accord separate receptions to gallantry award-winning freedom fighters and members of their families on November 22 on behalf of their respective forces, the ISPR release said.

Source: BSS