Dhaka: The Armed Forces Day will be celebrated through a series of programmes on November 21, marking the establishment of the army, navy, and air force during the 1971 Liberation War. The celebrations will commence with special prayers at all mosques within cantonments and naval and air force bases nationwide, seeking divine blessings for the nation's well-being and the progress of the armed forces.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, both President Mohammed Shahabuddin, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces Division, and Chief Adviser of the interim government Prof Dr Muhammad Yunus have issued separate messages to commemorate the occasion, as per a release from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Directorate. On the eve of the day, they will pay homage at the Shikha Anirban (the Eternal Flame) in Dhaka Cantonment, honoring the martyred armed forces members who sacrificed their lives in the 1971 Liberation War.
Following this tribute, the Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Navy Chief Admiral Mohammad Nazmul Hasan, and Air Force Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan will lay wreaths on behalf of their respective services. The three chiefs will also meet with the Chief Adviser at the Department of Armed Forces Division and later with the President of the Republic at the Bangabhaban.
In celebration of Armed Forces Day 2025, the Chief Adviser will host a reception for the families of Bir Shreshthas and selected gallantry award-winning 1971 veterans and their families at the Army Multipurpose Complex in Dhaka Cantonment. During this event, greeting cards will be distributed, and greetings will be exchanged with 101 selected gallantry award-winning freedom fighters and their heirs.
High-ranking officials, including the Liberation War Affairs Adviser, CA's Special Assistants, Chiefs of the three services, and other civil and military officers, will attend the event. Additionally, a reception will be held at Senakunj, Dhaka Cantonment, with notable guests such as the Chief Justice of Bangladesh, foreign diplomats, former Presidents, and other prominent figures.
Receptions will also be organized at various cantonments and bases across the country, including Barisal, Cox's Bazar, Bougra, and Khulna, under the management of the respective area headquarters. Other celebrations will be held at army garrisons, naval ships, and air force bases nationwide, with specially equipped naval ships available for public viewing from 2 pm till sunset on November 21.
Bangladesh Television (BTV) will broadcast the event live, with a special programme, 'Special Anirban,' airing on November 20, highlighting the significance of Armed Forces Day. Bangladesh Betar will air 'Special Durbar' on November 21 at 7:30 pm, and private TV channels will broadcast the 'Special Anirban' programme in phases. Additionally, special bulletins will be published in various newspapers, and educational institutions will host essay and painting competitions under the AFD's auspices.