AK Khandker, deputy chief of staff of 1971 liberation forces, no more
AK Khandker was an unforgettable soldier of Bangladesh's independence struggle, says Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus mourning his death.
Bir Uttam Air Vice Marshal (retd) AK Khandker, deputy chief of staff of the "Mukti Bahini" during the 1971 Liberation War and the first chief of air staff of Bangladesh Air Force (BAF), has passed away. He was 95.
Khandker breathed his last due to age-related complications at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Dhaka around 10:35am today (20 December), said the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Directorate in a statement.
The namaz-e-janaza and guard of honour of the freedom fighter, who was awarded the state gallantry award Bir Uttam for his contribution during the 1971 war, will be held with state honours at the BAF Base Bashar Parade Ground at 1:45pm tomorrow (21 December).
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AK Khandker was also conferred the "Swadhinata Padak", the highest state award given by Bangladesh government, in 2011 in recognition of his extraordinary role during the Liberation War, organising the Bangladesh Air Force in the post-independence period and making outstanding contributions to nation-building.
Khandker, who also served as the former planning minister from 2009 to 2014, has left behind one daughter, two sons, and numerous well-wishers.
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus expressed deep shock and sorrow at his death, saying AK Khandker was an unforgettable soldier in Bangladesh's independence struggle.
"He played a vital role in achieving independence by demonstrating courage, foresight and leadership during the 1971 Liberation War," the chief adviser said in a statement.
He added that as deputy chief of staff of the Mukti Bahini, Khandker's strategic decisions, organisational skills and unwavering patriotism further strengthened the liberation struggle.
Khandker joined the Pakistan Air Force in 1952 and served as a fighter pilot and instructor before joining the Liberation War in May 1971.
During the war, he was appointed deputy chief of staff of the "Mukti Bahini" under the Mujibnagar Government and later became instrumental in establishing the Bangladesh Air Force's first unit, "Kilo Flight".
After independence, Khandker played a pioneering role in building the Bangladesh Air Force, the chief adviser said, adding that as the country's first air force chief, he made outstanding contributions to establishing the force as a disciplined and effective institution.
Yunus also said that AK Khandker faced widespread backlash from the fallen fascist regime for writing books on the history of the Liberation War.
"Presenting the true history of the Great Liberation War was seen as his offence by the fallen regime," he said.
Describing him as a steadfast freedom fighter, honest, courageous and principled patriot, the chief adviser said AK Khandker's work, thoughts and ideals would continue to inspire future generations.
