Final Tributes Paid to Liberation War Hero AK Khandkar

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Sunday paid his final respects at the namaj-e-janaza of Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Abdul Karim Khandkar, Bir Uttam, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Bangladesh Liberation War and first Chief of Air Staff at the BAF Base Bashar Parade Ground in the capital.

The funeral prayers were attended by high-ranking cabinet members, the top brass of the armed forces and numerous civil servants, all gathered to honor the veteran commander's legacy.

The funeral ceremony commenced with a solemn state salute as pallbearers slow-marched the coffin to the stage. 

During the proceedings, BAF Biman Secretary Air Vice Marshal Abdullah Al Mamun presented a biography of the late commander, followed by a tribute from his son, Jafrul Karim Khandaker.

Wreaths were placed in honor of AVM Khandkar by the Military Secretary to the President and Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. 

They were followed by Liberation War Affairs Adviser Faruk E Azam, Bir Protik, and the chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Staff, who all paid their final respects. 

In a final salute to the nation's first Air Chief, three BAF helicopters performed a ceremonial flypast. Air Vice Marshal Abdul Karim Khandkar passed away Saturday morning at the age of 94 due to age-related complications.

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.