Armed Forces Day being observed

Tributes have been paid to martyred war heroes with due pomp and solemnity on the Armed Forces Day.

A remembrance ceremony was held at Shikha Anirban (Eternal Flame), in Dhaka Cantonment, on Friday.

The Day is observed each year on November 21 in memory of the sacrifices made by the members of the armed forces who died fighting for Bangladesh's liberation in 1971.

President Md Abdul Hamid placed wreaths at the Eternal Flame and observed a minute's silence in honour of the martyrs at 8am.

A smartly turned out contingent of the three services presented a guard of honour.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina followed the president and paid her tributes to the liberation war heroes by placing wreaths at the Eternal Flame.

Chiefs of the Army, Navy and the Air Force were also present.

Special prayers will be held at all army garrisons and naval and air force bases across the country, seeking divine blessings for the wellbeing and prosperity of the nation and development of the Armed Forces.

State-owned Bangladesh Television and other private TV channels are telecasting special programmes and the daily newspapers have published special issues marking the day.

Prime minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to attend a reception at Senakunja in Dhaka Cantonment in the afternoon.

Parliament Speaker, chief justice, former presidents, politicians and diplomats are also expected to attend the reception.