Air Vice Marshal (retd) AK Khandaker, Bir Uttam, deputy chief of staff of the Liberation War and former chief of the Bangladesh Air Force, passed away on Saturday morning. He later became the first chief of the Bangladesh Air Force, leading efforts to rebuild and reorganise the force after independence. Role in the Liberation WarDuring the war, AK Khandaker joined India after defecting from the Pakistan Air Force and was entrusted with overseeing training and operations. For his outstanding contribution to the Liberation War, he was awarded the gallantry title Bir Uttam. Post-war career and recognitionAfter independence, Khandaker took charge as the first chief of the Bangladesh Air Force and led its post-war reorganisation.

Source: Dhaka Tribune December 20, 2025 09:05 UTC