DHAKA: Armed Forces Day, the raising day of the Bangladesh armed forces, is being observed across the country on Friday with due solemnity and enthusiasm.

On this day in 1971, a deliberate attack, by the members of Army, Navy and Air force of the Bangladesh liberation war forces, was launched on the Pakistani forces which made smoother the path of independence.

President, also the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of Bangladesh Abdul Hamid, and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who also holds the defense portfolio, have issued separate messages marking the day.

In his message, the President said the nation remembers the contribution of the armed forces personnel to the Liberation War with deep gratitude.

He prayed for the salvation of the departed souls of those who laid down their lives for the country’s independence and sovereignty.

The Prime Minister in her message paid tribute to all martyrs of the liberation war, including all martyred soldiers of the armed forces.

She further said the armed forces personnel have also been working in disaster management and large-scale construction to serve the distressed people and in various nation-building activities alongside performing their professional duties.

However, the day’s programs have begun with the offering of special prayers after Fazr prayer 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.

In the morning, the President and the Prime Minister placed floral wreaths at the Shikha Anirban (the Eternal Flame) at Dhaka Cantonment paying deep homage to the members of the Armed Forces who laid down their lives during 1971.

Later, Army Chief General Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan, Navy Chief Vice-Admiral M Farid Habib and Air Force Chief Air Marshal Mohammad Inamul Bari placed wreaths at Shikha Anirban.

The chiefs of the three services will also pay courtesy calls on the President at Bangabhaban and the Prime Minister at the Armed Forces Division on the day.

On this occasion, the Prime Minister will host a reception and meet the family members of the Bir Shresthas and other gallantry award-winning freedom fighters at the Armed Forces Division at Dhaka Cantonment.

In the afternoon, the Prime Minister will host a reception at ‘Sena Kunja’ in Dhaka Cantonment to mark the day.

Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad, Chief Justice, former Presidents, Leader of the Opposition, members of the cabinet, judges of the High Court and the Supreme Court, Chief Election Commissioner, Election Commissioners, foreign envoys, high civil and military officials, intellectuals, journalists and elite of the society will attend the reception, among others.

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 marking the day.

Besides, receptions will be held at Savar, Bogra, Ghatail, Chittagong, Comilla, Sylhet, Jessore, Rangpur, Khulna and Rajendrapur cantonments.

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.

On the occasion, Bangladesh Television (BTV) will telecast a special ‘Anirban’ after its News of 8:00pm which will also be aired by different satellite television channels later and Bangladesh Betar will broadcast a special ‘Durbar’ program at 7:30pm.

Besides, national dailies have also published special supplements on the day.

BDST: 0837 HRS, NOV 21, 2014