On Wednesday (24 December 2025) after Asr, a special prayer meeting was held at the Falcon Hall of Air Force Base Bashar in Dhaka to pray for the repose of the soul of the late freedom fighter, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Liberation Army, proud son of the nation and former Chief of Air Staff, late Air Vice Marshal Abdul Karim Khandaker, Bir Uttam, PSA (Retd).
Honorable army and air force chiefs, former air force chiefs, family members of the deceased, senior officers of the military and other rank-and-file members were present in the prayer meeting. Special prayers were offered at the event to pray for the departed soul’s forgiveness, peace and Jannatul Firdous.
Late Air Vice Marshal AK Khandaker, Bir Uttam was not only a heroic freedom fighter, but also a visionary leader who played an important role in the formation of the Bangladesh Air Force. His unwavering dedication, strategic intelligence and indomitable spirit in the 1971 Liberation War have been a source of inspiration for the nation. As the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Liberation War, he played an important role in coordinating the efforts towards victory through the fierce liberation struggle.
After independence, he was appointed the first Chief of Air Staff and under his able leadership, the war-torn Air Force was able to be rebuilt. Air Vice Marshal AK Khandaker was awarded the title of ‘Bir Uttam’ for his patriotic and courageous contribution to the great Liberation War of Bangladesh. In addition, the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh awarded Air Vice Marshal A.K. Khandaker, Bir Uttam, the ‘Independence Award-2011’ in recognition of his unique role in leading the Liberation War, organizing the post-independence Bangladesh Air Force, and his outstanding contribution to nation building.
