Passing of Liberation War Deputy Commander A. K. Khandker

Liberation War Deputy Commander, former Air Force Chief and former Minister A. K. Khandker, Bir Uttom, is no more; he was about 96 years old.

The former Air Vice Marshal passed away due to old-age complications at around 10:30 am on Saturday, according to a statement from ISPR.

Air Vice Marshal A. K. Khandker, the first Chief of the Bangladesh Air Force formed during the Liberation War, served as an ambassador during the military rule of Ziaur Rahman. Later, during the military regime of H. M. Ershad, he became the Minister of Planning.

After being elected as a Member of Parliament from Pabna in 2008 on an Awami League ticket, A. K. Khandker served as the head of the Ministry of Planning in Sheikh Hasina’s cabinet for five years.

In recognition of his role in the Liberation War, the government awarded A. K. Khandker the Independence Award in 2011.

From 1951 to 1969, A. K. Khandker served in various ranks of the Air Force in West Pakistan. In 1969, he was transferred to the Dhaka base of the Pakistan Air Force as a Wing Commander. He witnessed the turbulent days of that time from very close quarters.

Then, on March 25, 1971, ‘Operation Searchlight’ was launched against unarmed Bengalis. On March 28, A. K. Khandker applied for two weeks’ leave, which was approved.

After three attempts, on May 15 he reached Agartala in India along with his family and several Bengali Air Force officers. He later met Bangladesh government Prime Minister Tajuddin Ahmad and Colonel M. A. G. Osmani in Kolkata.

After two months of training in Nagaland, India, the Bangladesh Air Force began its journey on September 28 with three civilian aircraft provided by India and a few Bengali pilots.

In early December, when direct fighting began between the Pakistani forces and the Mukti Bahini along with the Indian allied forces, the pilots of the Bangladesh Air Force carried out several successful attacks against the enemy.

After independence, A. K. Khandker joined the Air Force as its Chief. In recognition of his outstanding contribution to the Liberation War, he was awarded the title ‘Bir Uttom’ after independence.