Dhaka: Liberation War Affairs Adviser Faruk E Azam, Bir Pratik, today expressed profound shock and sorrow at the death of heroic freedom fighter and Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Abdul Karim Khandker, best known as AK Khandker, Bir Uttam. In a condolence message, the adviser recalled the significant role Khandker played during the Liberation War, highlighting his service as Second-in-Command at the Pakistan Air Force base in Dhaka in 1971.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Khandker left Dhaka on May 12, 1971, for Tripura to join the Liberation War, arriving in Motinagar by May 15. The then Mujibnagar Government appointed him Deputy Chief of Staff of the Mukti Bahini, under whose leadership the Bangladesh Air Force’s ‘Kilo Flight’ conducted historic operations in September 1971. For his gallant contributions, he received the state gallantry award ‘Bir Uttam’ in 1972.
Faruk E Azam noted Khandker’s later roles, including serving as Adviser to the President in 1986 and his election as a Member of Parliament. Khandker also served as Minister of Planning for the Government of Bangladesh. For his exceptional role in the Liberation War and nation-building, he was honored with the Independence Award (Swadhinata Puroskar) in 2011.
Describing Khandker as an exemplary professional and role-model aviator, Faruk highlighted his tenure as the first Chief of the Bangladesh Air Force, where he served with honesty, dedication, and efficiency. In recognition of his contributions, a major Bangladesh Air Force base has been named in his honor. The nation will remember his contributions with deep respect.
Faruk E Azam prayed for eternal peace for Khandker’s soul and extended heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family. AK Khandker passed away at the age of about 95 while undergoing treatment at the Combined Military Hospital in Dhaka due to old age complications. He is survived by two sons, one daughter, and a host of relatives and admirers.