Bir Uttam Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) AK Khandaker, the deputy chief of the Liberation War and the first chief of the Bangladesh Air Force, has passed away.
He breathed his last at around 10:30 am on Saturday due to old age-related complications, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.
Born on January 1, 1930, AK Khandaker’s ancestral home was in Bharenga village in Bera upazila of Pabna. He is the son of Khandaker Abdul Latif, who served as a deputy magistrate during the British period. He was awarded the title of ‘Bir Uttam’ in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the Liberation War.
AK Khandaker’s role in leading the Liberation War and his contribution in laying the foundation for the defense system of independent Bangladesh will be remembered with deep respect in the history of the country.