The President Parade (Winter)-2023 marking the commissioning of No 83 BAFA (Bangladesh Air Force Academy) Course and Direct Entry-2023B of Bangladesh Air Force was held at the BAF Academy in Jashore on Tuesday).
Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Shaikh Abdul Hannan attended the ceremony as the Chief Guest.
He reviewed the smartly turned-out parade and was saluted the impressive march past and handed over flying badges and different trophies among the Graduating Officer Cadets. Beside one BAF officer was awarded a navigation badge after his basic navigation training, says an ISPR media release.
Officer Cadet M. Shahedul Islam was presented with the coveted „„Sword of Honour‟‟ for his best all round performance, Officer Cadet Aman Hossain received “Birsreshto Matiur Rahman Trophy” for his best performance in Flying Training and Officer Cadet Himal K. C was presented “Commandants Trophy” for his best performance in General Service Training in No 83 BAFA Course.
Officer Cadet Nadira Shams Labiba received “Chief of Air Staff Trophy” for his best all round performance in No 83 BAFA Course amongst the Ground Branch officer cadet.
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.
He showed respect to the martyred freedom fighters of all members including martyred Birsreshto Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman and members of Kilo Flight whose sacrifice gave us the freedom of Bangladesh.
The Air Chief said that to fulfil Bangabandhu's unfinished work following his dreams and vision, the development and modernization of the Air Force is going on to make the Air Force a strong and modern force under the sincere efforts and guidance of his able daughter- Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and according to the ‘Forces Goal-2030’ modern aircraft and equipments are being adding to Bangladesh Air Force.
He further said that Bangladesh Air Force is able to overhaul the fighter aircrafts by using its own manpower, technology and technical skills.
He mentioned that cadets from different friendly countries are undergoing training at this academy due to the state-of-the-art-training system of Bangladesh Air Force Academy, which is exemplary. Finally, he wished the newly commissioned officers success and thanked all the members of Bangladesh Air Force Academy.
Total 93 Officer Cadets including 18 Female and one Nepali & one Zambian Officer Cadet were commissioned this time. Officer Cadet Academy Senior Under Officer Mahmmod Al Yeamin commanded the parade.
The parade was followed by a spectacular fly past of different aircrafts of Bangladesh Air Force Academy. Afterwards, a spectacular para jumping was held by the skilled paratroopers of BAF for the first time in BAF Academy.
Among others, members of the parliament, high civil and military officials, diplomats of Foreign Missions in Bangladesh, local dignitaries and guardians of the Officer Cadets were present on the occasion.