In observance of Armed Forces Day 2024, President Mohammed Shahabuddin, Chief Advisor Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus, and the chiefs of the three military branches laid wreaths at Shikha Anirban in Dhaka Cantonment on Thursday morning (21 November).
The programme began with special prayers following Fajr at mosques within all army cantonments, naval bases, and air force installations.
Prayers sought the nation's prosperity, the continued progress of the Armed Forces, and the eternal peace of the souls of those who sacrificed their lives during the Liberation War of 1971.
Earlier, President Shahabuddin, also the supreme commander of the Armed Forces, and Chief Adviser Dr Yunus issued separate messages marking the occasion, as noted in a press release by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
According to the ISPR, the commemorative wreath-laying at Shikha Anirban was followed by tributes from Army Chief General Wakar-Uz-Zaman, Navy Chief Admiral Mohammad Nazmul Hasan, and Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmud Khan on behalf of their respective forces.
The service chiefs later made courtesy calls with the Chief Advisor at the Armed Forces Division and with the President at Bangabhaban.
As part of the day’s celebrations, the chief adviser attended a reception at the Army Multipurpose Complex in Dhaka Cantonment, honouring decorated freedom fighters and their families.
During the ceremony, he exchanged greetings and distributed tokens of appreciation to the veterans.
The event was attended by dignitaries, including the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs Advisor, senior military officials, and civil servants.
A reception hosted by the chief adviser was also held at the Senakunja in Dhaka Cantonment at 4pm.
Among the notable invitees were the chief justice, former presidents, former chief advisers, diplomats, heads of international organisations, distinguished freedom fighters, and eminent personalities from various sectors. The reception was broadcast live by Bangladesh Television.
Celebrations extended beyond Dhaka, with similar receptions held in cantonments at Barishal, Cox’s Bazar, Bogura, Sylhet, Ghatail, Chattogram, Jashore, Rangpur, and Khulna under the supervision of regional area headquarters.
Additionally, naval vessels adorned with special decorations were anchored at nearby jetties in Dhaka, Khulna, Chandpur, Barishal, and Chattogram, remaining open to the public from 2pm until sunset.
The Armed Forces Day observances, characterised by solemn tributes and nationwide participation, reaffirmed the nation's gratitude to those who safeguarded its freedom.
