The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

President Prof Dr Iajuddin Ahmed on Friday stressed on preserving the glorious history of the Liberation War of 1971.

"Liberation war is the greatest event in our national history. Freedom fighters are the greatest sons of this soil," he said addressing a reception of families of the Bir Shresthas and other gallantry-award-winning freedom fighters at the Armed Forces Division in Dhaka Cantonment marking the Armed Forces Day.

Adviser to Ministry of Liberation War Affairs Maj Gen (retd) MA Matin, chiefs of staff of the three services, Principal Staff Officer of Armed Forces Division, Defence Secretary, and senior civil and military officers were present on the occasion.

On this day in 1971, Bangladesh Armed Forces comprising army, navy and air force came into existence and launched an all-out attack on Pakistan occupation forces, expediting the country's freedom.

President Iajuddin, also the Supreme Commander of the armed forces, said various initiatives have been taken by the government for welfare of families of the Bir Shresthas and other freedom fighters, including gallantry-award-winners.

Besides, he said Liberation War Ministry and Armed Forces Division have also taken initiatives, including increase in allowances of freedom fighters to improve their economic condition.

President Iajuddin presented gifts to 44 gallantry-award-winning freedom fighters and family members, including close relatives of Shaheed Captain Mohiuddin Jahangir (Bir Shrestha), Shaheed Sipoy Hamidur Rahman (Bir Shrestha), Shaheed Sipoy Muhammad Mustafa Kamal (Bir Shrestha), Sipoy Shaheed Muhammad Ruhul Amin ERA-1 (Bir Shrestha), Shaheed Flight Lieutenant M Matiur Rahman (Bir Shrestha), Shaheed Lance Naik Nur Muhammad Sheikh (Bir Shrestha) and Shaheed Lance Naik Munshi Abdur Rauf (Bir Shrestha).

Earlier, the President placed wreath at Shikha Anirban, the Eternal Flame, at Dhaka Cantonment, paying tributes to the members of the armed forces who sacrificed their lives during the liberation war.

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

Later, the three chiefs paid a courtesy call on the President at Armed Forces Division.

Army, navy and air force headquarters also accorded receptions to members of the martyred families, award- winning and retired freedom fighters of their respective services.

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

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

A special 'Anirban' programme illustrating the significance of the day was broadcast on Bangladesh Television. Bangladesh Betar also arranged a special "Durbar" programme on the occasion.