DHAKA, Jan 18, 2026 (BSS) - Chief of Air Staff of Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan formally inaugurated the Bangladesh Centre for Air and Space Power Studies (BCASPS) at the Air Force Headquarters in Dhaka Cantonment here today.
 
"The Air Chief, as the chief guest, formally opened the event and the BCASPS website www.bcasps.org in a formal ceremony here," said a release of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Directorate this evening.

Speaking on the occasion, he expressed strong confidence and optimism in starting the journey of BCASPS as an independent think tank in research on Air and Space Power.
 
Noting that ensuring effective airspace control and security is the fundamental basis of national sovereignty and stability, the BAF Chief said in this changing strategic environment, it is essential to develop a coherent and clear understanding of both aviation and space to protect Bangladesh's sovereignty, national security and long-term development interests.

At the event, the BCASPS vision "To be established as a center of excellence to develop national awareness and provide policy advice on air and space power favouring the country's national interests and to enhance the BAF's capabilities" was highlighted, the release mentioned. 

Terming this event as a notable milestone in Bangladesh's strategic and intellectual engagement in air and space power, the ISPR said the establishment of BCASPS is a timely and forward-looking initiative, which is of great importance for national security, the Bangladesh Armed Forces Division (BAFD), especially the BAF.
 
Noted researcher Prof Shahab Enam Khan of Jahangirnagar University (JU) presented a keynote paper on the topic "Modernizing Airpower in a Changing Indo-Pacific: Strategic Rationale, Technological Shifts, and National Security Implications for Bangladesh," the ISPR added.

Besides, Principal Staff Officers of the Air Headquarters, representatives of the ministries concerned, the Vice-Chancellor of American International University, Bangladesh (AIUB), Chairman of Foundation for strategic and Development Studies (FSDS) and Osmani Centre for Peace and Security Studies (OCPASS), DG of Bangladesh Institute of Maritime Research and Development (BIMRAD), academicians and researchers, BCASPS Governing Body members and invited senior military and civil officials, among others, were present there.