BAF personnel visit Dimapur, Nagaland to celebrate its raising day

On October 31, 2023 as part of the Raising Day celebrations of Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) personnel Visited Dimapur, Nagaland.

• To keep alive the spirit of liberation war among the Bangladesh Armed Forces personnel, 20 officers and personnel of Bangladesh Air Force, led by Group Captain Tanveer Marjan, visited Dimapur as part of the Raising Day celebrations of Bangladesh Air Force (BAF).

Background of Bangladesh Air Force (BAF):

• Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) came into existence on 28 September 1971 at Dimapur, Nagaland with one Chetak, one armed Otter and one Dakota, 09 officers and 57 personnel.

1st Air Force Unit of Bangladesh: 

• On 28 September 1971, the Indian Air Force began training three of its pilots, Squadron Leader Sultan Ahmed, Flight Lieutenant Badrul Alam, who had defected from the Pakistan Air Force, and a civilian pilot, Captain Shahabuddin Ahmed, at 'Kilo Flight' in Dimapur. 
• It became the first air force unit of Bangladesh.

India gave 'Kilo Flight' aircraft to Bangladesh:

• After December 16, 1971, with the birth of Bangladesh, India handed over the bullet-riddled but flyable 'Kilo Flight' aircraft to Bangladesh in Dhaka.
• Officers and personnel of Dornier and Mi 17-V5 squadrons, which have historical association with ‘Kilo Flight’, interacted with BAF personnel.

Significance of BAF personnel visit to Dimapur:

• Bangladesh Air Force has always shown keen interest in visiting important places which were of great relevance during the 1971 Liberation War.
• The visit reflects the deep ties and goodwill between the air forces of the two countries and recognizes the role of the Indian Air Force in the liberation of Bangladesh.

Bangladesh: A Key Partner for India in the South Asian Region

• India was the first country to recognize Bangladesh as a separate and independent state and established diplomatic relations with the country soon after its independence in December 1971.
• India has close civilizational, cultural, social and economic relations with Bangladesh.
• Bangladesh has great strategic importance due to its geographical location as India's eastern neighbour.
• Capital: Dhaka
• Currency: Taka
• President: Mohammad Shahabuddin
• First President: Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
• Prime Minister: Sheikh Hasina
• First Prime Minister: Tajuddin Ahmed
• The Parliament of Bangladesh is called the National Parliament Building or Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban;