ARMED FORCES DAY TODAYPresident, CA greet armed forces members

Armed Forces Day is being observed today with due solemnity and enthusiasm across the nation.

President of the country and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Mohammed Shahabuddin, and Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus issued separate messages on Wednesday to mark the occasion.

Both leaders extended their heartfelt greetings to the members of the Armed Forces.

In his message, the President paid tribute to the martyrs of 1971, particularly the seven recipients of the highest gallantry award, Bir Shreshtha, as well as the three million lives sacrificed for the liberation of the motherland.

He also remembered with profound respect the brave members of the armed forces who lost their lives while performing their professional duties during the Liberation War and at various other times, both within the country and abroad.

The President, in his capacity as the supreme commander of the armed forces, prayed for the eternal peace of their souls and conveyed his deepest sympathy to the families of the war-wounded and martyred armed forces personnel.

He noted that the nation continues to honour the contributions and heroism of the armed forces in the Liberation War with deep reverence.

In his message, Chief Adviser Prof Yunus extended his greetings to the Army, Navy, and Air Force on the occasion of Armed Forces Day 2024.

He also paid homage to the martyrs of the armed forces and all others who gave their lives for the independence of Bangladesh.
Highlighting the role of the armed forces during the Liberation War, the Chief Adviser stated that on 21 November, the valiant members of the Army, Navy, and Air Force launched a coordinated counter-attack against the occupying forces.

He added that this effort was supported by the liberation war forces, members of various paramilitary forces, and patriotic civilians.
He further noted, “On 16 December, we achieved the ultimate victory by defeating the invading forces.”

Armed Forces Day, observed annually on 21 November, commemorates the progress and triumph of the Bangalee nation during the Liberation War.

Prof Yunus emphasised that the armed forces have consistently stood as the ultimate safeguard for the people, from the struggle for independence to responding to natural disasters such as floods, droughts, storms, and cyclones.

He added, “As always, the Bangladesh Armed Forces have remained steadfast in supporting the nation during crises.”

According to a press release issued by the ISPR, Armed Forces Day celebrations began with special prayers offered at Fajr in the mosques of all cantonments, naval bases, and air force stations across the country.

These prayers sought divine blessings for the welfare and prosperity of the nation, the continued progress of the armed forces and forgiveness for the souls of those who sacrificed their lives during the Liberation War.

As part of the day’s programme, the President and Chief Adviser will lay wreaths at the “Shikha Anirban” (the Eternal Flame) in Dhaka Cantonment this morning to honour the martyred armed forces members who gave their lives in 1971.

Subsequently, Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman; Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Nazmul Hassan; and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, will also place wreaths at the Shikha Anirban on behalf of their respective forces.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Chief Adviser will host a reception for selected gallantry award-winning Freedom Fighters and their heirs at the Army Multipurpose Complex in Dhaka Cantonment. During the event, the Chief Adviser will exchange greetings and present commemorative gifts to the award recipients.

The reception will be attended by the Adviser to the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, the Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant (Defence and National Solidarity Development Affairs), the Chiefs of Army, Navy, and Air Force, the Principal Secretary to the Chief Adviser’s Office, the Principal Staff Officer (PSO) of the Armed Forces Division, and the Secretaries of the Ministries of Defence and Liberation War Affairs, along with other senior civil and military officials.

ISPR further stated that a special reception will be held on behalf of the Chief Adviser at the Senakunja in Dhaka Cantonment on November 21 at 4:00 pm. Distinguished guests will include the Chief Justice, former Presidents, former Chief Advisers, current and former advisers, foreign diplomats in Bangladesh, heads of international organizations, judges, Secretaries of the Cabinet Division, the Principal Secretary, former Chiefs of the three services, retired military officials, recipients of the Independence Award and Ekushey Padak, journalists, academicians, politicians, prominent personalities, coordinators of anti-discrimination student movements, heirs of all Bir Sreshthos (the highest gallantry award recipients of the Liberation War), and other gallantry award recipients or their heirs residing in Dhaka.

High-ranking civil officials, as well as serving and retired armed forces officers, will also attend the event, which will be broadcast live by Bangladesh Television (BTV).