The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

The Armed Forces Day will be observed today (Friday) with due enthusiasm and solemnity, marking the inception of the national military in war-field during the liberation war.

Day's programme starts with special prayers in mosques of all cantonments, naval outposts and establishments and air-force outposts after Fajr prayers seeking divine blessing for country's welfare and progress and continued development and progress of the Armed Forces.

Bangladesh Armed Forces comprising army, navy and air force came into being and launched an all-out attack on the occupation forces this day during the Liberation War in 1971. Hence, the Day is observed as Armed Forces Day every year.

President Dr Iajuddin Ahmed would place wreaths on Shikha Anirban at Dhaka Cantonment in the morning to pay homage to the members of the Armed Forces who had sacrificed their lives 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 also place wreaths on the Shikha Anirban on behalf of their respective forces.

The chiefs of the three services will pay a courtesy call on President Dr Iajuddin Ahmed at his Armed Forces Division office.

President Iajuddin Ahmed will arrange a reception at the Armed Forces Division in Dhaka Cantonment in honour of heirs of Bir Shrestha, and award-recipient freedom fighters and their heirs.

The chiefs of the three services will also arrange similar reception in honour of award-recipient freedom fighter families of their respective forces and freedom fighters.

In the evening, President Dr Iajuddin Ahmed will arrange a reception at Senakunja in Dhaka Cantonment. Chief Adviser of the caretaker government Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed, Speaker, Chief Justice, former presidents, ex-chief advisers and advisers, incumbent advisers, diplomats, Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners, among others, are expected to attend the function.

Similar receptions will also be arranged at Savar, Bogra, Chittagong, Ghatail, Comilla, Jessore, Rangpur and Rajendrapur cantonments.

Various programmes have also been taken up to observe the day at army garrisons, naval ships and establishments and outposts of the air force outside the capital.

Specially decorated ships of navy at Dhaka (Sadarghat), Narayanganj, Chittagong, Khulna, Barisal and Mongla will remain open to public from 2pm to 4:30pm.

BTV, Bangladesh Betar and private TV channels will telecast special programmes and newspapers will publish special supplements highlighting the significance of the day.

Meanwhile, President Dr Iajuddin Ahmed and Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed in separate messages hailed the members of Armed Forces and prayed for peace of the departed souls of those laid down their lives in 1971.

President Dr Iajuddin prayed for salvation of the heroic martyrs of the Armed Forces who had laid down their lives for country's independence and sovereignty. He also conveyed his sympathy to the members of war-wounded and martyr families.

The President expressed the hope that the members of the Armed Forces would "uphold their glory through diligent exercise, professional skill, dutifulness and patriotism".

In another message, Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed said the Armed Forces "earned appreciation from all by preparing voters' list with photograph and national ID card within a short time" and introducing automation process at Chittagong Customs House.

"Members of the Armed Forces are extending active assistance to the government in anti-corruption and anti-terrorism drives and relief and rehabilitation operations for flood victims," said the head of the military-backed caretaker government.

The Chief Adviser expressed his conviction that the continuity of successes of the Armed Forces would also be upheld in days to come.

In a message on the occasion, Awami League president Sheikh Hasina greeted members of the Armed Forces on the occasion. The ex-premier recalled the "ever- refulgent contribution of the Armed Forces in defeating the Pakistani invaders during the 1971 Liberation War".

She said AL believes in building a strong and invincible defense system for protecting country's independence and sovereignty.