The Winter President Parade 2025, marking the commissioning of 87 BAFA (Bangladesh Air Force Academy) Course, Direct Entry-2025B and SPSSC-2025B, was held at the BAF Academy in Jessore on Thursday.
Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan attended the ceremony as the chief guest. He reviewed the parade, took the salute at the march past, and handed over trophies and flying badges to the graduating officers, according to a press release from the Inter Services Public Relation Directorate (ISPR).
Officer Cadet Nafis Rafid was awarded the coveted “Sword of Honor” for best all-round performance. Officer Cadet Md Sadik Islam Tamim received the “Birsreshto Matiur Rahman Trophy” for outstanding performance in flying training, while Officer Cadet Jannatul Israt Saba was presented with the “Commandant’s Trophy” for best performance in general service training in 87 BAFA Course.
Officer Cadet Nusrat Binta Islam Nice received the “Chief of Air Staff Trophy” for best all-round performance among ground branch officer cadets. In the Winter Term, Bir Uttam Badrul Alam Squadron was adjudged Champion Squadron and was accorded the Academy color.
The chief guest paid tribute to all freedom fighters and war-wounded veterans of the 1971 Liberation War, honoring their sacrifices that secured an independent and sovereign Bangladesh. He also remembered members of the Kilo Flight, whose daring aerial operations boosted morale and contributed significantly to the Liberation War.
Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan highlighted that the scope and demand of the armed forces have expanded globally, prompting the modernization of the Air Force training system. He said state-of-the-art training aircraft and simulators have been added to enhance the training of future officers.
He noted that the academy’s high training standards are now recognized internationally, with foreign military personnel participating in courses and pilots from the Bangladesh Army and Navy receiving flying training. So far, 30 foreign flight cadets have successfully completed training at the academy, strengthening the Bangladesh Air Force’s global reputation.
The chief guest wished success to the newly commissioned officers and expressed gratitude to all members of the BAF Academy. A total of 40 officer cadets, including eight female cadets, were commissioned during the parade. Officer Cadet Academy Senior Under Officer Tanjim-Ul-Islam commanded the parade, which was followed by a fly-past, aerobatic display, and a parachute jump by paratroopers.
The ceremony was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, serving and retired civil and military officials, local dignitaries, and guardians of the newly commissioned officers.
