Air Vice Marshal (retd) AK Khandker, Bir Uttam, deputy chief of staff of the Liberation War and former chief of Air Staff of the Bangladesh Air Force, passed away on Saturday morning at the age of 95.
He died of age-related complications at around 10:30 am, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
AK Khandker served as Deputy Chief of Staff of the Mukti Bahini during the 1971 Liberation War and later became the first Chief of Air Staff of the Bangladesh Air Force following independence.
During the tenure of President Ziaur Rahman, he served as Bangladesh’s ambassador, and later held the post of planning minister during the regime of HM Ershad.
In 2008, he was elected member of parliament from Pabna-2 (Bera–Sujanagar) on an Awami League ticket and subsequently served as planning minister in Sheikh Hasina’s cabinet for five years.
In recognition of his outstanding contribution to the Liberation War, the government conferred upon him the Independence Award in 2011, the country’s highest civilian honour.
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus expressed deep sorrow at AK Khandker’s death, describing him as an “unforgettable soldier of Bangladesh’s independence struggle.”
In a condolence message, Muhammad Yunus said AK Khandker demonstrated exceptional courage, leadership and strategic foresight during the Liberation War. As Deputy Chief of Staff of the Mukti Bahini, his strategic decisions and organisational skills played a vital role in strengthening the liberation movement.
The chief adviser noted that AK Khandker later made pioneering contributions to the formation and development of the Bangladesh Air Force, helping transform it into a disciplined and effective institution as its first chief.
“He was a principled freedom fighter, honest and steadfast in his beliefs. His life and ideals will continue to inspire future generations,” Yunus said.
He prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members, relatives, fellow freedom fighters and admirers.
The ISPR press can be read here.
