Dhaka: The Armed Forces Day is set to be celebrated with a series of programs on November 21, marking the establishment of the army, navy, and air force during the 1971 Liberation War. The festivities aim to reflect the spirit of the day with a mix of solemnity and enthusiasm. The day’s activities will commence with special prayers after Fajr at all mosques in cantonments and naval and air force bases across the nation, seeking divine blessings for the country’s prosperity and the armed forces’ progress, as per an ISPR press release.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, President Mohammed Shahabuddin, who also serves as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and Chief Adviser of the interim government Prof Dr Muhammad Yunus will deliver separate messages for the occasion. On the eve of Armed Forces Day, both the President and the Chief Adviser will pay their respects by placing wreaths at Shikha Anirban (the Eternal Flame) at Dhaka Cantonment. This act will honor the martyred members of the armed fo
rces who sacrificed their lives in the 1971 Liberation War.
Following this, the Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Navy Chief Admiral Mohammad Nazmul Hasan, and Chief of the Air Force Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan will lay wreaths 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 the day, the Chief Adviser will host a reception at the Army Multipurpose Complex in Dhaka Cantonment at 4 pm. This event will honor the family members of the Bir Shreshthas and selected gallantry award-winning 1971 veterans. Distinguished guests, including the Chief Justice, former Presidents, foreign diplomats, and other eminent personalities, will attend this reception. Bangladesh Television (BTV) and Bangladesh Betar will broadcast the event live.
Receptions will also take place at regional cantonments and bases in Barishal, Cox’s Bazar, Bogura, Sylhet, Gha
tail, Chattogram, Cumilla, Jashore, Rangpur, and Khulna. Various programs are planned at different army garrisons, naval ships, and air force bases across the country. The Bangladesh Navy will open its ships to visitors at various locations from 2 pm until sunset on November 21.
A special program, ‘Bishesh Anirban,’ highlighting the day’s significance, will be aired by BTV following the 8 pm news, with other channels broadcasting it later. Additionally, Bangladesh Betar will present a program titled “Bishesh Durbar” at 7:30 pm. National newspapers will feature special supplements to mark the day, and armed forces-run educational institutions will host essay and painting competitions.