Dhaka, 10 April: Bangladesh Air Force Base located at Kurmitola, Dhaka Cantonment has been renamed “Bangladesh Air Force Base Bir Uttam A K Khandker”. The renaming ceremony of Bangladesh Air Force Base Bir Uttam A K Khandker was held on Thursday (10-04-2025) at Kurmitola Air Force Base, Dhaka Cantonment. Chief of Air Staff of Bangladesh Air Force Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, BBP, OSP, GUP, nswc, psc was present as the chief guest in the renaming ceremony. Respected Chief of Air Staff started his speech by showing his deep respect to the valiant freedom fighters who made the ultimate sacrifice for the independence of Bangladesh and to all the martyrs of the July-August uprising. He also respectfully recalled Air Vice Marshal A K Khandker, Bir Uttam, a fearless hero of the Liberation War and a distinguished personality in the nation’s history, whose heroic contributions have led to the renaming of this base in his honour.
Air Vice Marshal A K Khandker, Bir Uttam was not only a valiant freedom fighter but also a visionary leader who played a pioneering role in the formation of Bangladesh Air Force. His unwavering devotion, strategic acumen and indomitable spirit in the liberation war of 1971 have been a source of inspiration for the nation. As the Deputy Chief of Staff of “Mukti Bahini”, he played an important role in coordinating the efforts led to victory through the fierce liberation struggle. After independence, he was appointed as the first Chief of Air Staff and under his capable leadership, he was able to reorganize the war-torn Air Force. By naming the base after his name for his contribution to the establishment of Bangladesh Air Force and his unparalleled role in the development of the force honour is given to him and his successors. For the bravery and patriotism he had shown during the great war of independence, Air Vice Marshal A K Khandker was awarded with the gallantry award `Bir Uttam’ by the Government of Bangladesh. Besides, in recognition of his outstanding role while conducting the Liberation War, restructuring Bangladesh Air Force and building the nation, Air Vice Marshal A K Khandker, Bir Uttam was also awarded ‘Independence Award-2011’ by the Government of Bangladesh.
In this renaming ceremony, family members of Air Vice Marshal A K Khandker, Bir Uttam were present as special guests. Besides, Assistant Chiefs of Air Staff, Air Officer Commanding of Bangladesh Air Force Base Bir Uttam A K Khandker, senior military and civil officials and other dignitaries were also present in this ceremony.
