Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chief Advisor to the Interim Government, has expressed deep shock and sorrow over the death of one of the organizers of the great Liberation War of Bangladesh, a brave freedom fighter awarded the title of Bir-Uttam, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Liberation Army, the first Chief of Air Staff of independent Bangladesh and former minister Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Abdul Karim Khandaker (A.K. Khandaker).
He said that A.K. Khandaker was an unforgettable soldier of the freedom struggle of Bangladesh. In the great Liberation War of 1971, he played an important role in achieving the country’s independence by demonstrating courage, foresight and leadership qualities. During the Liberation War, his strategic decisions, organizational skills and unwavering patriotism as Deputy Chief of Staff of the Liberation Army further consolidated the struggle for independence.
The Chief Advisor said that after independence, A.K. Khandaker played a leading role in the formation of the Bangladesh Air Force and, as the country’s first Air Force Chief, made an outstanding contribution to establishing this force as a well-organized and effective institution.
He said that A.K. Khandaker, as a freedom fighter on the battlefield, wrote a book on the history of the country’s independence and drew widespread anger during the fallen fascist regime. In the eyes of the fallen regime, his crime was to highlight the true history of the great war of independence.
He said that A.K. Khandaker was a strong-willed freedom fighter, honest and brave and a patriot devoted to ideals. His work, thoughts and ideals will be a source of inspiration for the new generation.
In his condolence message, the Chief Advisor said that the country has lost a heroic son in the death of A.K. Khandaker. I pray for the forgiveness of his departed soul and express my deepest condolences to the bereaved family, relatives, fellow soldiers and well-wishers.
