Dhaka, 05 November 2019: Hon’ble President of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and Commander-in-Chief of Armed Forces Md Abdul Hamid awarded National Standard to 1, 3, 5, 8, 9 and 71 Squadron of Bangladesh Air Force on Tuesday (05.11.2019) at BAF Base Bangabandhu, Kurmitola at Dhaka Cantonment.
On his arrival at the parade ground of Bangladesh Air Force Base Bangabandhu, the Hon’ble President was received by Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Masihuzzaman Serniabat and Air Officer Commanding of Bangladesh Air Force Base Bangabandhu, Air Vice Marshal M Sayed Hossain.
Bangladesh Air Force has a glorious history with the formation of ‘Kilo Flight’ during the Liberation War of Bangladesh. The nucleus of present Bangladesh Air Force was formed at Dimapur, India on 28 September 1971 with one Alouette Helicopter, one Dakota transport and one Otter aircraft along with few patriotic pilots and airmen. Patriotic members of this force conducted number of successful air operations against the occupational force with this tiny air force during the war of Independence. Since inception, Bangladesh Air Force has been entrusted to safeguard entire airspace of Bangladesh including extending support to sister services and assisting the civil administration in disaster management and relief operations as and when required. At present, Bangladesh Air Force is performing different responsibilities both at national and international level. Three Air Bases of Bangladesh Air Force were already been awarded with the prestigious National Standard for their prime sacrifice and patriotic attitude towards the country. In continuation, five flying Squadrons and one Radar squadron of Bangladesh Air Force were awarded with National Standard in recognition to all their versatile contribution at national and international arena. All the squadrons had a glorious past and active participation in the liberation war of Bangladesh. Out of these, the nucleus of 1 and 3 squadrons were born during the process of making the ‘Kilo Flight’, the birthroot of Bangladesh Air Force. After the independence of Bangladesh, 5, 8, 9 and 71 squadrons gradually established by the directive of Bangabandhu, the father of the nation. These squadrons have earned enormous reputations for their contribution heavily on peacetime and emergency duties besides their primary role of national security and protecting the sovereignty of the country.
During the National Standard Award ceremony, Hon’ble President witnessed the parade at the parade ground of Bangladesh Air Force Base Bangabandhu. The parade was commanded by Wing Commander Masudur Rahman. After the award of the National Standard to the recipients, a contingent of two helicopters carrying National and Bangladesh Air Force Flags made a Flag pass. Later, a special Monajat was offered for the preservation of the National Standard. While addressing to all ranks of Bangladesh Air Force, Hon’ble President paid tribute to the Birsreshto Flight Lieutenant Maitur Rahman for the supreme sacrifice for the cause of nation and recalled all valiant members of the Kilo Flight during the Liberation War. He also mentioned that the nation will remember the glorified contribution and sacrifice of the brave members of Bangladesh Air Force. Hon’ble President expected that BAF would uphold the honour, dignity and pride of National Standard through the patriotism and professionalism. After the speech, the Parade gave National Salute followed by three times Cheers to the Chief Guest. Lastly, a spectacular fly past by fighter aircraft with smoke and transport aircraft was displayed.
At the end Hon’ble President signed the Visitor’s book and attended a photography session with the selected senior officers of Armed Forces and Airmen. Members of parliament, other senior officers of Armed Forces, Para-Military Forces and civil dignitaries were present in the ceremony
