Dhaka, 29 September: Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) celebrates her 51st anniversary on 28 September 2022 (Wednesday) as ‘Air Force Day’ with various programs. An attractive cultural program and fireworks were organized in the evening as a part of the program. Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Shaikh Abdul Hannan, BBP, BUP, nswc, fawc, psc was present on the occasion. A documentary film based on ‘Kilo Flight’ was screened in the program reflecting the contribution, sacrifice, spirit of independence and patriotism of the members of BAF during the Liberation War. Among others, heroic freedom fighters of Kilo Flight, former Chiefs of Air Staff, Cabinet Secretary, Chief of Naval Staff, Principal Staff Officers of Air Headquarters, Secretary of different Ministry, Senior Military & Civil officials and family members of all BAF personnel in Dhaka area were present on the occasion.
Earlier, a spectacular flypast comprising Mig-29, F-7 series, L-410, C-130, Mi series and Bell-212 helicopters was organized by BAF over Dhaka as part of celebrating 51st anniversary.
The necessity of forming an independent Air Force was strongly felt during the dreadful days of blood-shedding Liberation War to take control over the situation. To fulfil the aim, BAF started her journey on 28 September 1971 named ‘Kilo Flight’ with one Otter aircraft, one Dakota aircraft and one Alouette helicopter provided by the Indian Government at Dimapur of Nagaland in India. The unit was comprised of 57 members including Bangali pilots, airmen of technical trades and civil aviators. ‘Kilo Flight’ conducted more than fifty successful air attacks on the eve of Liberation War which played a vital role for expediting our ultimate victory.
