DHAKA, Sept 28, 2024 (BSS) - Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) today celebrated its 53rd founding anniversary with various programmes.

The BAF started its indomitable journey on this day during the War of Liberation in 1971 and the day is celebrated as ‘Bangladesh Air Force Day’, according to an ISPR statement issued here.  

It said the heroic freedom fighters of Air Force actively took part in the Liberation War along with people from all walks of life leaving Pakistan side.

Air Vice Marshal (retd) Abdul Karim Khandkar, Bir Uttam, served as Deputy Chief of Staff during the Liberation War, while Air Vice Marshal (retd) Sultan Mahmud, Bir Uttam, performed his responsibility as Officer Commanding of ‘Kilo Flight’.

The statement said that valiant BAF members successfully performed many important operations including the role of Sector Commanders.

During the dreadful days of blood-shedding Liberation War in 1971 it was strongly realized the necessity of forming an independent Air Force to take control over the situation, it added.

For achieving the noble goal, the BAF started its journey on 28 September 1971 named ‘Kilo Flight’ with one Otter aircraft, one Dakota aircraft and one Alouette helicopter, the statement said.

The unit was comprised 57 members including Bangali pilots, airmen of technical trades and civil aviators. ‘Kilo Flight’ conducted more than fifty successful air attacks during the War of Liberation, which played a significant role for expediting the ultimate victory.

As part of the programme, ‘Special Doa’ and ‘Pritibhoj at different Messes’ were organized at all air force bases, units including Bangladesh Air Force Contingents (BANAIR) deployed under the UN Peacekeeping Missions, it said.