Liberation War Hero and Former Air Chief AK Khandkar Breathes His Last

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Publish : 20 Dec 2025, 03:25 PM

Air Vice Marshal (Retd) AK Khandkar, Bir Uttam. -Collected Photo

Air Vice Marshal (Retd) AK Khandkar, Bir Uttam, the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Bangladesh Liberation War and former Chief of Air Staff, passed away on Saturday morning, according to a press release from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The statement noted that the war hero, who had been suffering from age-related complications, breathed his last at 10:35 am (BST).

Born on January 1, 1930, Abdul Karim Khandkar—widely known as AK Khandkar—was 95 years old at the time of his passing.

A distinguished figure in national history, Khandkar was elected to the National Parliament from the Pabna-2 constituency in the General Election 2009.

Beyond his pivotal role as the Deputy Chief of Staff during the Liberation War, he served the nation as the Minister of Planning.

His illustrious career also spanned the diplomatic corps, where he represented Bangladesh as High Commissioner to both India and Australia.

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CA Mourns Death of AK Khandker

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus mourned the death of AK Khandker, Bir Uttam. In his condolence message, issued on this day, the CA said that AK Khandker was an unforgettable soldier of Bangladesh’s Liberation War.

During the Great War of Liberation in 1971, he played a key role in securing the country’s independence, demonstrating courage, foresight, and leadership, he noted.

Professor Yunus said that as Deputy Chief of Staff of the Liberation Forces, his strategic decisions, organizational skills, and unwavering patriotism strengthened the struggle for independence.

The Chief Adviser added that after independence, AK Khandker played a pioneering role in establishing the Bangladesh Air Force and, as the country's first Chief of Air Staff, made outstanding contributions in establishing the force as a well-organized and effective institution.

He mentioned that AK Khandkar, as a freedom fighter, faced severe criticism under the fallen fascist regime for writing the history of the Liberation War.

“Presenting the genuine history of the Great War of Liberation was considered a crime under the fallen regime,” he added.

The Chief Adviser described AK Khandkar as a steadfast freedom fighter, honest, courageous, and a patriotic idealist, whose work, thoughts, and principles would continue to inspire future generations.

In his condolence message, he said that with the death of AK Khandker, the nation has lost a brave son.

The Chief Adviser prayed for the eternal peace of his departed soul and extended his heartfelt sympathy to his bereaved family members, relatives, fellow freedom fighters, and admirers.

With Inputs from the Agency

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