The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

The Armed Forces Day will be observed today 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 occupation forces.

President and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces Professor Dr Iajuddin Ahmed and Chief Adviser to the Caretaker Government Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed gave separate messages on the occasion.

The day's programme will begin with the offering of munajat after the Fazr prayers in all mosques at army garrisons, naval bases and establishments as well as air force bases throughout the country seeking divine blessings for the wellbeing and prosperity of the nation and development and progress of the armed forces.

In Dhaka, President and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces Professor Dr Iajuddin Ahmed will place a floral wreath at the Shikha Anirban (the Eternal Flame) at the Dhaka Cantonment in the morning to pay his homage to the members of the armed forces who had embraced martyrdom in the War of Liberation in 1971.

Chief of Army Staff General Moeen U Ahmed, Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Sarwar Jahan Nizam and Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal SM Ziaur Rahman will lay floral wreaths at the Shikha Anirban on behalf of their respective services.

Chiefs of Staff of the three services will pay courtesy call on the President at the Armed Forces Division at the Dhaka Cantonment.

President Professor Dr Iajuddin Ahmed will also host a reception and meet the family members of the Bir Shresthos and other gallantly award winning freedom fighters at the Armed Forces Division at the Dhaka Cantonment.

Army, Navy and Air Force Headquarters will also accord receptions to the members of the shaheed families, award winning and retired freedom fighters of their respective services.

Various programmes have also been chalked out to celebrate the day in a befitting manner in all army garrisons, naval ships and establishments and air force bases throughout the country.

A special Anirban programme illustrating the significance of the day will be telecast by the Bangladesh Television after the Bangla News Bulletin of 8 p.m. yesterday.

Bangladesh Betar will broadcast a special Durbar programme at 7.30 p.m. today.

Private TV channels will telecast the same 'Anirban' programme from November 21. The national dailies are bringing out special supplements in observance of the day.