Country’s first Air Force Chief Abdul Karim Khandker, popularly known as AK Khandker, a distinguished freedom fighter and former deputy chief of the Mukti Bahini, passed away in Dhaka on Saturday.

According to a press note issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Khandker breathed his last at 10:35am. He was a decorated freedom fighter and played a key role in the Liberation War of 1971.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam also confirmed the matter in a Facebook post this afternoon.

AK Khandker was widely regarded as a key military leader during the Liberation War of 1971 and is remembered for his leadership and contribution to the country’s independence.

After the war, he played an important role in building the Bangladesh Air Force and later remained active in public life, serving the nation in various capacities.

His death marks the loss of a prominent figure in Bangladesh’s military and national history.