Dhaka, Dec 21 (V7N)- Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Sunday attended the funeral prayer of Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Abdul Karim Khandaker (AK Khandaker), Bir Uttam, the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Liberation War and the first Chief of Air Staff of independent Bangladesh.

The funeral prayer was held at Air Force Base Bashar, where a funeral parade with full state honours was accorded to the valiant freedom fighter prior to the janaza.

Advisers of the interim government, the chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force, along with senior military and civilian officials, were present at the funeral ceremony.

After the prayer, the Military Secretary paid tribute to the late AK Khandaker by placing a wreath on behalf of the President. Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus then paid his final respects by laying a wreath on the coffin.

Subsequently, Adviser for Liberation War Affairs Faruk-e-Azam, Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman, Navy Chief Admiral M Nazmul Hasan, and Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmud Khan placed wreaths one by one. Later, a flypast by the Bangladesh Air Force paid homage to the late freedom fighter.

Before the funeral, AK Khandaker’s son, Zafrul Karim Khandaker, delivered a brief speech recalling his father’s contributions to the nation.

AK Khandaker passed away due to old age on Saturday morning. He was one of the key organizers of the Liberation War, a Bir Uttam awardee, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Mukti Bahini, the first Air Chief of independent Bangladesh, and a former minister.

A legendary figure of the 1971 Liberation War, AK Khandaker played a crucial role in achieving independence through his courage, strategic insight, and leadership. His organizational skills and decisive planning significantly strengthened the liberation struggle.

END/SMA/AJ