Bangladesh Air Force celebrates 50th anniversary

The Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) celebrated its 50th anniversary on Tuesday, reports UNB.

BAF observes this day as 'Air Force Day'.

Mentionable that, responding to the call of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the heroic freedom fighters of the Air Force defected from Pakistan Air Force and participated in the war of liberation in 1971.

Besides participating in the war, Air Force officers also successfully performed as Deputy Chief of Staff and Sector Commanders, says an Inter Service Public Relation (ISPR) media release.

During the peak of the war, the necessity of an Air Force was felt strongly, thus BAF came into being on September 28 in 1971 at Dimapur, India. That journey started as 'Kilo Flight' with one Otter aircraft, one Dakota aircraft and one Alouette helicopter and 57 expatriates from Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan International Airlines. With about 50 operations, 'Kilo Flight' had shaken the nerve of Pakistani Forces by attacking strategic targets like fuel depot at Godnail, Narayanganj and Eastern Refinery, Chattogram.

In celebration of 50th anniversary, the BAF put up an aerial display of numeric '50' by PT-6 aircrafts over Faridpur, Narayanganj and Dhaka.

Fighter aircraft of the BAF comprising Mig-29 and F-7 flew over Godnail (Narayanganj), Eastern Refinery (Chattogram), House of AVM Sultan Mahmud (Officer Commanding, Kilo Flight) to commemorate the courageous contribution of Kilo Flight during Liberation War. In addition to that, a fascinating fly past over Tejgaon airfield was conducted by C-130, K-8W, PT-6 aircraft, Mi-17 and Bell-212 helicopters. On this occasion, spectacular fireworks and cultural programme were arranged in the evening.

Air Chief Marshal Shaikh Abdul Hannan graced the occasion as chief guest. In the programme, a documentary film based on 'Kilo Flight' was screened highlighting the contribution, sacrifice, spirit of independence and patriotism of the members of BAF during the liberation war.

Among others, Kilo Flight veterans, former Chiefs of the BAF, Principal Staff Officers of Air Headquarters, invited guests, senior military and civil officials were also present on the occasion.