Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Abdul Karim Khandker,Bir Uttam.. Photo : Collage

DHAKA, Dec 20, 2025 (BSS) – Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Abdul Karim Khandker, widely known as AK Khandker, Bir Uttam.

AK Khandker, a freedom fighter and Deputy Chief of Staff of the Liberation Forces, first Chief of the Bangladesh Air Force, and former minister,breathed his last at 10:35 am today due to old age complications.

In his condolence message, issued today, the Chief Adviser said that AK Khandker was an unforgettable soldier of Bangladesh’s Liberation War. 

During the Great War of Liberation in 1971, he played a key role in securing the country’s independence, demonstrating courage, foresight, and leadership, he noted. 

Professor Yunus said that as Deputy Chief of Staff of the Liberation Forces, his strategic decisions, organizational skills, and unwavering patriotism strengthened the struggle for independence.

The Chief Adviser added that after independence, AK Khandker played a pioneering role in establishing the Bangladesh Air Force and, as the country's first Chief of Air Staff, made outstanding contributions in establishing the force as a well-organized and effective institution.

He mentioned that AK Khandkar, as a freedom fighter, faced severe criticism under the fallen fascist regime for writing the history of the Liberation War.

“Presenting the genuine history of the Great War of Liberation was considered a crime under the fallen regime,” he added.

The Chief Adviser described AK Khandkar as a steadfast freedom fighter, honest, courageous, and a patriotic idealist, whose work, thoughts, and principles would continue to inspire future generations.

In his condolence message, he said that with the death of AK Khandker, the nation has lost a brave son. 

The Chief Adviser prayed for the eternal peace of his departed soul and extended his heartfelt sympathy to his bereaved family members, relatives, fellow freedom fighters, and admirers.