Foreign Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain and Bir Uttam AK Khandker. Photo : Collage

DHAKA, Dec 21, 2025 (BSS) - Foreign Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain today expressed deep sorrow at the death of Bir Uttam AK Khandker, hailing his unparalleled leadership in the Liberation War and his lasting contributions to Bangladesh's nation-building.

In a condolence message, Touhid described AK Khandker as one of the foremost heroic commanders of the Great Liberation War whose leadership, courage and strategic acumen played a decisive role in securing Bangladesh's independence.

He recalled that as Deputy Chief of Staff of the Mukti Bahini, AK Khandker made an unparalleled contribution to the war effort and later, as the first Chief of the Bangladesh Air Force, led the reconstruction of the war-ravaged force with vision and resolve, a chapter that remains memorable in the country's history of nation-building.

The Foreign Adviser also highlighted Khandker's presence as a representative of the Mukti Bahini at the historic surrender of the Pakistani forces at the Racecourse Maidan in Dhaka on December 16, 1971, terming it a glorious moment in the nation's history.

He said AK Khandker was not only a valiant freedom fighter and distinguished military officer, but also a wise patriot and a conscientious chronicler of history, who later served Bangladesh with distinction as an ambassador in several countries.

"With his demise, the nation has lost a brilliant military officer and one of the key organizers of the Great Liberation War," the Foreign Adviser said.

Md. Touhid Hossain prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed his deepest condolences to the bereaved family members and relatives.