Valiant freedom fighter Captain Akram Ahmed Bir Uttam dies

Valiant freedom fighter Captain Akram Ahmed Bir Uttam died today at the Combined Military Hospital in Dhaka. He was 74.

Captain Akram, who was working as a senior consultant, flying operations inspector, at the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh, had played a brave role as an air fighter during the 1971 Liberation War, CAAB said in a press release.

He left behind his wife, daughter and host of relatives and well-wishers to mourn his death.

Captain Akram was hospitalised in early November with coronavirus. He had also been suffering from pneumonia.

He was one of the nine pilots who joined the "Kilo Flight," which caused havoc in enemy territory during the war.

On the night of December 3, Squadron Leader Shamsul Alam and Captain Akram attacked the eastern refinery in Chattogram and destroyed the oil depot.

Simultaneous attacks in Chattogram and Dhaka were made by the valiant "Akash Shainik", in conjunction with the Indian military, against Pakistan occupational forces.

After the war, Akram joined Biman Bangladesh Airlines as a pilot, flying Dakota DC-3. Later, he flew the F-27, Boeing 707, and formally retired flying the DC-10.

He was awarded the title of Bir Uttam for his contribution to the Liberation War.

He will be buried at Banani graveyard tomorrow after the Zuhr prayer, with a guard of honour from the Bangladesh Air Force.

State Minister for Civil Aviation M Mahbub Ali and CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal M Mafidir Rahman expressed deep shock at the demise of the brave freedom fighter.