President, PM pay tribute on Armed Forces Day

The Armed Forces Day is being observed on Saturday.

Senior Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 21 Nov 2015, 05:29 AM
Updated : 21 Nov 2015, 07:08 AM

On this day, the nation remembers the sacrifices of war heroes from the army, navy and air force who laid down their lives for Bangladesh’s independence.

The three forces started their combined assault on the Pakistani armed forces on this day in 1971.

President Md Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid their tributes on Saturday morning.

Heads of the three forces greeted the president, the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, and the prime minister, who holds the defence ministry, at the Dhaka Cantonment.

President Hamid stood in silence for a moment after placing flowers at ‘Shikha Anirban’ (Eternal Flame).

A smart contingent of the three services presented a guard of honour.

Prime Minister Hasina also paid floral tributes to the war heroes.

After them, Army Chief General Abu Belal Mohammad Shafiul Huq, Navy Chief Vice Admiral M Farid Habib, Air Chief Air Marshal Abu Esrar placed wreathes at the 'Shikha Anirban'.

The president, in a statement, said Bangladesh’s armed forces were “highly professional, efficient and disciplined”.

"Our armed forces are our pride,” he said. “The nation always recalls with deep respect their role during the Liberation War."

In her statement, the prime minister highlighted her government’s efforts to modernise the armed forces.

She hoped they would continue to serve the country with patriotism and professionalism.

Special prayers are being held at all army garrisons and naval and air force bases.

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

Prime Minister Hasina is scheduled to attend a reception at Senakunja in the afternoon.

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