‘National Martyrs Day’ celebrated for the first time in Bangladesh

Mahbub Hasan Tutul, Dhaka Correspondent

The statement said that on this day in 2009, the current interim government has issued a circular to observe this day as ‘National Martyrs’ Day’ every year in memory of the army martyrs who were brutally killed by the then BDR members who went astray in Peelkhana. As a result, various programs were taken up in the armed forces to celebrate the day with due respect.
On February 25, the flags of the army, navy and air force were kept at half-mast on the occasion of ‘National Martyrs Day’. In the morning, the Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Navy Staff and Chief of Air Staff, on behalf of their respective forces, laid wreaths at the graves of martyred military officers and members at the Peelkhana in the Banani Military Cemetery and paid their deepest respects.

In addition, after the chiefs of the forces paid their respects, the families of the martyrs laid wreaths, observed a minute of silence and finally offered special prayers seeking forgiveness for the souls of the martyrs.

As part of the program of this special day, the Chief Advisor, Chiefs of Army, Navy and Air Force delivered separate messages and the messages were read out through the Darbar/Booth Watches/Assembly of the Armed Forces. In addition, on the occasion of the day, the Holy Quran was recited in all the cantonments, naval bases and air force bases of the country, seeking forgiveness for the souls of all the martyrs who were killed in the brutal massacre in Peelkhana, and special prayers and supplications were organized after Zuhr to pray for the forgiveness of the souls of all the martyrs.

In memory of the army officers who were martyred in the brutal massacre in Peelkhana in 2009, a memorial meeting was organized by the martyrs’ families at the Helmet Hall of the Retired Armed Forces Officers’ Welfare Association (RAOWA) Club in Mohakhali, highlighting the significance of the National Martyrs’ Day. The families of the martyrs, retired officers and their families, as well as the Chiefs of Army and Navy, Principal Staff Officers of the Armed Forces Division and high-ranking officers of the military were present at the memorial meeting.

In addition, special discussion programs were organized on various widely broadcast radio/television channels on the importance and significance of this day and what to do, etc.

Finally, on behalf of the Bangladesh Armed Forces, we pay our humble respects to the martyred soldiers, the sun children of the nation, and express our deep condolences and sympathy to the bereaved families.

Metro News Ng