President's Parade held at Bangladesh Air Force Academy in Jashore

The President's Parade (Summer)-2026 marking the commissioning of cadets from the 88th BAFA Course, Direct Entry-2026A and SPSSC-2026A courses of the Bangladesh Air Force was held today (21 May) at the parade ground of the Bangladesh Air Force Academy in Jashore.

Chief of Air Staff of the Bangladesh Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, attended the event as the chief guest. He reviewed the parade, took the salute, and distributed trophies and flying badges among the graduating officers.

Officer Cadet Tahsin Ahmed Quraishi received the "Sword of Honour" for overall best performance in the 88th BAFA Course. Officer Cadet Adnan Huq earned the "Bir Shrestha Matiur Rahman Trophy" for excellence in flying training, while Officer Cadet Mohammad Anan Chowdhury received the "Commandant's Trophy" for outstanding performance in General Service Training.

Mohammad Anan Chowdhury also won the "Chief of Air Staff Trophy" for best performance in the ground branch of the course.

In addition, "Bir Uttam Sultan Mahmud Squadron" was adjudged the champion squadron for the summer term and received the Academy Flag.

In his speech, the air chief paid tribute to the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War and honoured the members of the Kilo Flight for their bravery and contribution to the air war during the Liberation War.

He said the Bangladesh Air Force, which emerged during the Liberation War, has overcome numerous challenges to become a modern, well-organised force with an expanding operational role.

Besides safeguarding the country's airspace, the force has continued to support disaster response, rescue and relief operations, the army and navy, civil administration, and other humanitarian activities, he added.

The air chief also highlighted the role of air force personnel in maintaining stability in airport operations and strengthening service and security management amid the country's recent changing circumstances, saying their efforts have earned praise at home and abroad.

He further said the Bangladesh Air Force taskforce has been performing its duties at airports with professionalism, courage and integrity.

A total of 41 officer cadets, including five women, were commissioned through the parade. Academy Senior Under Officer Tahsin Ahmed Quraishi led the ceremonial parade.

The event featured a flypast by various aircraft of the Air Force Academy, aerobatic displays, and parachute jumps by air force paratroopers from helicopters.

Members of diplomatic missions, serving and retired military and civil officials, local dignitaries, and the guardians of the newly commissioned officers attended the ceremony.