The Bangladesh Air Force came into being with one Chetak, one Armed Otter and one Dakota, 09 Officers and 57 Men on 28 Sep 1971, at Dimapur, Nagaland. It was on this day that three Pilots, Squadron Leader Sultan Ahmed and Flight Lieutenant Badrul Alam who had defected from Pakistan Air Force and a civilian pilot, Captain Shahabuddin Ahmed, commenced their training by the Indian Air Force in Kilo flight at Dimapur which was deemed to be the first Bangladesh Air Force Unit. After 16 Dec 1971, with the birth of Bangladesh, the Kilo Flight aircraft riddled with bullets, but still fly worthy, were handed over to Bangladesh at Dhaka by India.

In order to keep the spirit of Liberation War alive amongst the personnel of Bangladesh Forces, 20 Officers and personnel of Bangladesh Air Force led by Group Captain Tanvir Marzan visited Dimapur on 31 Oct 2023, as a part of Bangladesh Air Force Raising Day celebrations. Officers and personnel of IAF including those belonging to Dornier and MI 17-V5 squadrons with a historical connection with the Kilo Flight interacted with the personnel of BAF Bangladesh Air Force has always shown keen interest in visiting important locations that were places of relevance during the 1971 Liberation War. The visit reflects the deep ties and bonhomie between the Air Forces of the two countries and acknowledges the role of IAF in the Liberation of Bangladesh.

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ABB/AK