Photo : Courtesy
The President Parade (Summer)-2024, marking the commissioning of No 84 BAFA (Bangladesh Air Force Academy) Course and Direct Entry-2024A of Bangladesh Air Force, was held at Jashore at the BAF Academy on Thursday (27 June).
Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, BBP, OSP, GUP, nswc, psc attended the ceremony as Chief Guest. He reviewed the smartly turned-out parade and took a salute at the impressive march past. He handed over trophies and flying badges among the Graduating Officer Cadets.
Officer Cadet Sabit Hasan Rafi was presented with the coveted ‘‘Sword of Honour’’ for his best all-round performance, Officer Cadet Md Fahim received “Birsreshto Matiur Rahman Trophy” for his best performance in Flying Training and Officer Cadet Md Mustaquimur Rahman was presented “Commandants Trophy” for his best performance in General Service Training in No 84 BAFA Course. Officer Md Mustaquimur Rahman received the “Chief of Air Staff Trophy” for his best all-around performance in the No 84 BAFA Course amongst the Ground Branch Officer Cadets. Mentionable that, in this Summer Semester Bir Uttam Sultan Mahmud Squadron was adjudged the Champion Squadron and was accorded Academy colour.
In his address, the chief guest Chief of Air Staff, Bangladesh Air Force began his speech showing his deep respect to the father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the greatest Bengali of all time. At the same time, he remembered Birsreshto Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman, the founder of the air campaign that created mountain-like morale and the members of Kilo Flight who conducted the air war during the liberation war whose contribution paved the sovereign and independent Bangladesh. He showed respect to the heroic freedom fighters whose sacrifice gave us the freedom of Bangladesh. He uttered with pride that our father of the nation dreamed of a modern Air Force and to realize his dream the present government is working tirelessly to make the Bangladesh Air Force stronger and added modern aircraft, radar, Unmanned Arial Vehicle (UAV) and equipment to Bangladesh Air Force. He mentioned that, under the Forces Goal-2030, activities of infrastructure development are ongoing in Bangladesh Air Force including adding more modern aircraft and necessary equipment. He further said that with the vision and kind guidance of Sheikh Hasina, Hon’ble Prime Minister of Peoples’ Republic of Bangladesh, “Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Aviation and Aerospace University” has been established to develop the country’s aviation sector.
Chief of Air Staff said, recently members of Bangladesh Air Force have been able to manufacture their training aircraft "Bangabandhu Basic Trainer" in the country for the first time. He mentioned that the Air Force Academy's state-of-the-art training system, due to which officer cadets from different friendly countries are undergoing training at the academy is exemplary. Finally, he wished the newly commissioned officers success and thanked all the members of the Bangladesh Air Force Academy.
A total of 59 Officer Cadets including 13 Female Officer Cadets were commissioned this time. Officer Cadet Academy Senior Under Officer ASM Mostakim Billah commanded the parade. The parade was followed by a spectacular flypast of different aircraft and a wonderful aerobatic display of the Bangladesh Air Force Academy.
Among others, civil and military high officials, Military and Defence attaché of different countries and guardians of the newly commissioned officers were present in the ceremony.
Messenger/Mumu
