Dhaka, Nov 21 (bdnews24.com) – President Zillur Rahman paid tribute to fallen war heroes at the Shikha Anirban (Eternal Flame) in Dhaka Cantonment on Saturday, marking Armed Forces Day.

The day pays tribute to members of the nation's armed forces who fought and lost their lives for Bangladesh's liberation in 1971.

Army chief M Abdul Mubeen, navy chief Vice Admiral Zahir Uddin Ahmed and air chief air Marshal Shah Md Ziaur Rahman followed the president in laying wreaths at the Eternal Flame.

The president, prime minister Sheikh Hasina and leader of the opposition Khaleda Zia issued messages on the day.

In his message, Zillur Rahman, and commander-in-chief of the armed forces, said Bangladesh's army, navy and air forces were the pride of the country.

"The armed forces launched a concerted attack against the occupation force on this day in 1971 at the call of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman that helped prompt our independence," he said.

Sheikh Hasina greeted all the members of the army, navy and air forces on this day.

She said the government is giving priority to modernisation of the armed forces.

Khaleda Zia in her message said the noble contribution of the armed forces during the Liberation war will be remembered forever in history.

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 and leader of the opposition chief are scheduled to attend a reception at the cantonment in the evening.

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