Armed Forces Day was observed with due honour and solemnity across the Dhaka, Chattogram and Khulna naval regions on Friday. As part of the nationwide programme, the Bangladesh Navy opened several of its warships to the public, drawing thousands of visitors throughout the day.
In Chattogram, the Navy’s warship BNS Somudra Avijan remained open for public inspection at the Naval Jetty on the banks of the Karnaphuli River from 2 pm until sunset. A continuous crowd of enthusiastic people—children, students, families and elderly visitors—flocked to the jetty to tour the vessel. Many were seen taking photographs, speaking to naval personnel and observing the ship’s operational sections with keen interest.
Earlier in the morning, the Regional Commander of the Khulna Naval Region placed a ‘guard of honour’ and laid wreaths at the shrines of Shaheed Bir Shrestha Ruhul Amin and Shaheed Bir Bikram Mohibullah, paying tribute to their supreme sacrifice during the Great Liberation War.
Captain Mushfiqur Rahman, Commander of BNS Somudra Avijan, told reporters that Armed Forces Day serves as a significant opportunity for the public to connect with their military. “The Army, Navy and Air Force jointly resisted the occupying forces and played a decisive role in liberating Bangladesh in 1971,” he said. “Through Armed Forces Day, we try to establish a stronger relationship with the common people. This is why our warships remain open for visitors—to allow citizens to learn about naval operations and see the vessels firsthand.”
Similar scenes of public enthusiasm were observed across the country, with visitors touring BNDB Gangchil at Dhaka Sadar Ghat, BNS Somudra Avijan at the Chattogram Naval Berth, BNS Bishkhali at the Khulna BIWTA Launch Terminal, BNS Abu Bakar at the Mongla Digraj Naval Berth, BNS Padma at the Barishal BIWTA Ghat, and BNS Atandra at the Chandpur BIWTA Ghat.
Throughout the day, special documentaries highlighting the contributions and heroic sacrifices of the Bangladesh Armed Forces during the Liberation War were screened at all Navy ships and bases. Navy-run educational institutions also organised writing and painting competitions to raise awareness among students about the significance of Armed Forces Day.
In addition, special prayers were offered in all mosques under the Bangladesh Navy. Prayers were conducted seeking eternal peace for the martyrs who laid down their lives in the Liberation War, as well as prosperity for the country and continued progress and development of the Armed Forces.
Crowds remained steady throughout the day, as families and young people took the opportunity to experience the naval environment up close—making the Armed Forces Day celebrations vibrant and memorable across the naval regions.
