50 years ago in 1971, our nation emerged from the 7th of March speech by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahmen by saying “The struggle of this time is the struggle of our independence, the struggle of this time is the struggle for our emancipation”. On 26th March 1971, Bangabandhu declared independence and the war started. Responding to the call of Bangabandhu the Bengali officers and airmen left Pakistan Air Force PAF and joined Mukti Bahini. A total of one thousand and 131 members of the Bangladesh Air Force actively took part in Liberation War. In addition to frontline fighting on the battlefield, the officers and aircrew were determined to operate independent air campaigns to shape the war. Bangladesh Air Force started its journey at Dimapur in India on 28 September 1971 as “Kilo Flight” with three malfunctionings, outdated aircraft one Twin Otter aircraft, One DC-3 Dakota aircraft, and one Allouette-III helicopter, in an abandoned airfield of WW-II in Dimapur. With that strength, it went into war on 3rd December 1971 (within 66 days of its birth) and played a vital role in the liberation war by conducting 50 air operations. The contribution of the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) in the liberation war 1971 has been written in golden letters in the war history books. with A total number of 57 Bengali officers and airmen of PAF and captain and co-pilot of Pakistan, Airlines PIA was there in Kilo Flight.
For their heroic role in the liberation war, one member of BAF was decorated with Bir Shreshtho gallantry award, six Bir Uttam awards, one Bir Bikram award, and 15 Bir Protik awards. 50 BAF members including six officers made their supreme sacrifice in the liberation War.
AK Khandker the first Chief of Air Staff of BAF played a glorious role in the liberation war. He was the deputy commander of Mukti Bahini, he also represented Bangladesh Side during the surrender of the Pakistani army at Race Course Maidan on 16th December 1971.
After independence Bangabandhu had purchased the most modern fighter jets Mig-21, modern transport aircraft, air defense system, and helicopters for the air force to make it a multi-role force. But after the killing of Bangabandhu on 15th August 1975 dictators came to power and the vision of Bangabandhu was overlooked, moreover some air force personnel staged a mutiny in 1977, and in the process of retaliation BAF suffered a huge loss of manpower and air assets.
In the year of 1996, Bangladesh Awami League came to power, and with the dynamic leadership of prime minister, Sheikh Hasina BAF found a new way with vision and commitment. BAF inventory was fulfilled with Mig-29 fighter aircraft. Sheikh Hasina had her clear vision of Forces goal 2030. But unfortunately, Awami League couldn’t form a government from 2001-2008. In the year 2009 Awami League again came to power and continues for three terms. So all the plans started to turn into action. Sheikh Hasina’s government has purchased F-7BGI fighters,YAK-130 jet trainers, C-130J transport, K-8W jet trainer, L-410 transport aircraft, MI-171SH helicopters, Agusta AW139 maritime SAR helicopter, AW119KX trainer helicopter. The government also purchased air defense system, FM-90, Selex RAT-31DL AD Rader. The blue sky of Bangla is more secure than before.
The process is underway to purchase more modern and high-performance fighter planes and other equipment for the air force aimed at making it further developed and modern to implement the ‘Forces Goal-2030’. Sheikh Hasina’s government is going to purchase air defense system integration, unmanned aerial vehicle system, mobile gap filler radar, and ultra-modern air defense radar soon.
BAF has recently opened Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Aviation and Aerospace University. The courses have been designed to attain knowledge in building fighter planes, transport aircraft, and helicopter in Bangladesh in near future.
After 50 years of birth, BAF remains an excellent force without peers, thanks to the extraordinary men and women who serve in it. The soaring spirit, dedication, and skill have helped BAF to master the skies.
We have seen the courage and expertise of BAF in crucial times at home and abroad. We have seen compassion and sacrifice for the protection of peace. We have seen the around-the-clock flights during deluges like flood in 1988, cyclone in 1991, medical evacuation of Covid-19 patients in recent days. We have also seen ferry missions to and from different countries like the earthquake in Gujrat 2001, Mujaffarabad 2005 and Chengdu 2008, Tsunami in Srilanka and Maldives in 2004. In recent days BAF is also carrying Covid-19 vaccines from different countries.
I am proud to have served 18 years in BAF and proud of all of them, who serve in BAF. To the pilots, the flight crews, the engineers, the technicians, the provost, the air traffic controllers, and — all who contribute to the strength of BAF in the skies, and to all the families who support this patriotic force to keep our sky free.
Today is a well-earned day of celebration of the golden legacy and achievements of BAF. But we know, there is never a day of rest for BAF. We pay tribute to the last 50 years with a determination to look to our Air Force men and women to help us meet the challenges of the next 50 years in space and beyond. We know we can always count on BAF and see the dream of Bangabandhu comes true.
Writer:
Squadron Leader (Rtd) Sadrul Ahmed Khan
Member, Bangladesh Awami League, Finance and Planning Affairs Sub-Committee.