Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) celebrates her 51st anniversary yesterday as 'Air Force Day' with various programs. The day became more joyous as birthday of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the raising day of Air Force coincided on the same date.
BAF started its indomitable journey on this day during great Liberation War in 1971. Responding to the call of the greatest Bengali of all time, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the heroic freedom fighters of Air Force actively took part in the Liberation War along with the people from all walks of life. They successfully performed many important tasks including Deputy Chief of Staff and Sector Commanders. 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. A spectacular flypast comprising Mig-29, F-7 series, C-130, Mi series and Bell-212 helicopters was organized by BAF over Dhaka as part of celebrating 51st anniversary. Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Shaikh Abdul Hannan paid a courtesy call at the residence of Officer Commanding of 'Kilo Flight' and former Chief of Air Staff Air Vice Marshal Sultan Mahmud (retd) to commemorate the courageous contribution of the members of 'Kilo Flight' and pay respect on behalf of all members of BAF. Moreover, a 'Pritibhoj' was organized at air bases, units including BANAIR Contingents deployed under UN Peacekeeping Missions. An Attractive fireworks have also been organized in the evening on the occasion.
