Dhaka: The Armed Forces Day will be observed tomorrow with a series of programs aimed at celebrating the establishment of the army, navy, and air force during the historic 1971 Liberation War. The day will begin with special prayers offered after Fajr prayers at all mosques within the cantonments, as well as naval and air force bases, seeking divine blessings for the nation’s prosperity and the progress of the armed forces.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, President Mohammed Shahabuddin, who serves as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces Division (AFD), and Chief Adviser of the interim government Prof Dr Muhammad Yunus have issued separate messages to mark the occasion, as conveyed by a release from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Directorate. On the eve of Armed Forces Day, both leaders will place wreaths at the Shikha Anirban (the Eternal Flame) at Dhaka Cantonment to honor the martyred members of the armed forces who sacrificed their lives in the War of Liberation in 1971.
Following the wreath-laying ceremony, the Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Navy Chief Admiral Mohammad Nazmul Hasan, and Air Force Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan will pay their respects on behalf of their respective forces. The three service chiefs will also meet with the Chief Adviser at the Department of Armed Forces Division and later with the President at the Bangabhaban.
In celebration of ‘Armed Forces Day-2025’, the Chief Adviser will host a reception for family members of Bir Shreshthas and selected gallantry award-winning 1971 veterans and their families at the Army Multipurpose Complex in Dhaka Cantonment. The Chief Adviser will distribute greeting cards and exchange pleasantries with 101 gallantry award-winning freedom fighters and their heirs.
The event will be attended by prominent figures including the Liberation War Affairs Adviser, the Chief Adviser’s Special Assistants, Chiefs of the three services, and high-ranking civil and military officials. A reception at Senakunj, Dhaka Cantonment, will also be hosted by the Chief Adviser at 4 pm on November 21, 2025.
Notable invitees to this reception include the Chief Justice of Bangladesh, former Presidents, former Chief Advisers, foreign diplomats, and heads of international organizations, among others. Additional receptions will be held at various cantonments and bases across the country including Barisal, Cox’s Bazar, and Chattogram.
Celebrations will also encompass various programs at army garrisons, naval ships, and air force bases outside Dhaka. Specially equipped naval ships in Dhaka, Khulna, Chandpur, Barisal, and Chittagong will be accessible to the public from 2 pm until sunset on November 21.
The Bangladesh Television (BTV) will broadcast the events live, and special programs such as ‘Special Anirban’ and ‘Special Durbar’ will be aired to highlight the significance of Armed Forces Day. Daily Bengali and English newspapers will publish special bulletins, and essay and painting competitions will be held in educational institutions under the auspices of the AFD.