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 prominent freedom fighter, former Deputy Chief of Staff of Liberation Forces, the first Chief of Bangladesh Air Force and a former minister, passed away at 10:35 AM on Saturday due to complications related to old age.
In a condolence message issued on the day, Professor Yunus described AK Khandker as an unforgettable soldier of Bangladesh’s Liberation War.

He said Khandker played a pivotal role in achieving independence during the Great War of Liberation in 1971 through his courage, foresight and leadership.
The Chief Adviser noted that as Deputy Chief of Staff of the Liberation Forces, AK Khandker’s strategic decisions, organisational ability and unwavering patriotism significantly strengthened the independence struggle.

He added that after independence, AK Khandker made pioneering contributions to the establishment of Bangladesh Air Force.
As the country’s first Chief of Air Staff, he played a key role in developing the force into a disciplined and effective institution.
Professor Yunus also recalled that AK Khandker faced severe criticism under the fallen fascist regime for documenting the true history of Liberation War.
Presenting the genuine history of the Great War of Liberation was treated as a crime under the fallen regime,” he said.
Describing him as a steadfast freedom fighter, honest, courageous and a patriotic idealist, the Chief Adviser said AK Khandker’s work, thoughts and principles would continue to inspire future generations.
“With the death of AK Khandker, the nation has lost a brave son,” he said, praying for the eternal peace of the departed soul and extending heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family members, relatives, fellow freedom fighters and admirers.