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{{short description|Bangladeshi fighter pilot}}
{{short description|Bangladeshi fighter pilot}}
{{Use Bangladeshi English|date=February 2023}}
{{Use Bangladeshi English|date=February 2023}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2024}}
{{Infobox military person
{{Infobox military person
| honorific_prefix = [[Group Captain]]
| honorific_prefix = [[Group Captain]]
| honorific_suffix = [[Sitara-e-Jurat|SJ]]
| name = Saiful Azam
| name = Saiful Azam
| native_name = সাইফুল আজম
| native_name = সাইফুল আজম
Line 8: Line 10:
| birth_date = 11 September 1941
| birth_date = 11 September 1941
| death_date = 14 June 2020 (aged 79)
| death_date = 14 June 2020 (aged 79)
| birth_place = [[Faridpur Upazila|Faridpur]], [[Pabna District|Pabna]], [[Bengal Presidency|Bengal]], [[British Raj|British India]] (Now, [[Rajshahi Division|Rajshahi]], Bangladesh)
| birth_place = [[Faridpur Upazila|Faridpur]], [[Bengal Presidency|Bengal]], [[British Raj|British India]]
| death_place = [[Combined Military Hospital (Dhaka)|CMH]], [[Dhaka]], [[Bangladesh]]
| death_place = [[Combined Military Hospital (Dhaka)|CMH]], [[Dhaka]], Bangladesh
| placeofburial = Shaheen Graveyard, [[Dhaka Cantonment]], [[Dhaka]], [[Bangladesh]]<ref name="ispr">{{cite web|url=https://www.ispr.gov.bd/en/retired-air-force-officer-buried-at-shaheen-graveyard-after-namaj-e-zanaja/|title=RETIRED AIR FORCE OFFICER BURIED AT SHAHEEN GRAVEYARD AFTER NAMAJ-E-ZANAJA|date=15 June 2020|publisher=[[Inter-Services Public Relations (Bangladesh)]]}}</ref>
| placeofburial = [[Dhaka Cantonment]], [[Dhaka]], Bangladesh<ref name="ispr">{{cite web |url=https://www.ispr.gov.bd/en/retired-air-force-officer-buried-at-shaheen-graveyard-after-namaj-e-zanaja/ |title=Retired Air Force Officer Burided at Shaheen Graveyard After Namaj-e-Zanaja |date=15 June 2020 |publisher=[[Inter-Services Public Relations (Bangladesh)]]}}</ref>
| placeofburial_label =
| placeofburial_label =
| image = File:Saiful Azam.jpeg
| image = File:Saiful Azam.jpeg
| allegiance = {{PAK}} (before 1971)<br/>{{BAN}}
| allegiance = {{PAK}} (before 1971)<br />{{BAN}}
| branch = {{Air force|Pakistan|size=23px}}<br/>{{Air force|Bangladesh|size=23px}}
| branch = {{Air force|Pakistan|size=23px}}<br />{{Air force|Bangladesh|size=23px}}
| serviceyears = 1960–1979
| serviceyears = 1960–1979
| rank = [[File:British RAF OF-5.svg|20px]] [[Group Captain]]
| rank = [[File:British RAF OF-5.svg|20px]] [[Group Captain]]
| unit = [[No. 17 Squadron PAF|No. 17 Squadron]]
| unit = [[No. 17 Squadron PAF|No. 17 Squadron]]
| battles = [[Indo-Pak War of 1965]]<br>[[Six-Days War]]<br>[[Bangladesh Liberation War]]
| battles = [[Indo-Pak War of 1965]]<br />[[Six-Days War]]<br />[[Bangladesh Liberation War]]
| awards = [[File:Sitara-e-Jurat.png|30px]] [[Sitara-e-Jurat]]<ref name="fjw">{{cite web|url=https://fighterjetsworld.com/weekly-article/group-captain-r-saiful-azam-the-flying-ace-who-has-been-awarded-gallantry-awards-for-valor-in-air-combat-by-3-different-countries/22159/|title=Group Captain (R) Saiful Azam: The Flying Ace Who Has Been Awarded Gallantry Awards For Valor In Air Combat By 3 Different Countries|work=Fighter Jets World (FJW)|date=14 June 2020}}</ref><br/>[[File:Order_of_Independence_-_Knight_(Jordan).png|30px]] [[Order of Independence (Jordan)|Wisam al-Istiqlal]]<ref name="fjw"/><br/>[[File:Iraq_Campaign_Medal_ribbon.svg|30px]] [[Iraq Campaign Medal|Nawt as-Shaja'ah]] (by [[Iraq]] in 2005)<ref name="fjw"/><br/>
| awards = [[File:Sitara-e-Jurat.png|30px]] [[Sitara-e-Jurat]]<ref name="fjw">{{cite web |url=https://fighterjetsworld.com/weekly-article/group-captain-r-saiful-azam-the-flying-ace-who-has-been-awarded-gallantry-awards-for-valor-in-air-combat-by-3-different-countries/22159/ |title=Group Captain (R) Saiful Azam: The Flying Ace Who Has Been Awarded Gallantry Awards For Valor In Air Combat By 3 Different Countries |work=Fighter Jets World (FJW) |date=14 June 2020}}</ref><br />[[File:Order of Independence - Knight (Jordan).png|30px]] [[Order of Independence (Jordan)|Wisam al-Istiqlal]]<ref name="fjw"/><br />[[File:Iraq Campaign Medal ribbon.svg|30px]] [[Iraq Campaign Medal|Nawt as-Shaja'ah]] (by [[Iraq]] in 2005)<ref name="fjw"/>{{self-published inline|date=May 2024}}<br />
Honoured as an "Eagle" by the Gathering of Eagles Foundation, [[United States]].
Honoured as an "Eagle" by the Gathering of Eagles Foundation, United States.
| module = {{Infobox officeholder
| module = {{Infobox officeholder
| constituency_MP1 = [[Pabna-3]]
| constituency_MP1 = [[Pabna-3]]
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}}
}}
}}
}}
'''Saiful Azam''' ({{lang-bn|সাইফুল আজম}}; 11 September 1941 &ndash; 14 June 2020) was a Bangladeshi pilot and politician who first served as a fighter pilot for the [[Pakistan Air Force]] (PAF) (1960–1971) and later the [[Bangladesh Air Force]] (BAF) (1971–1979).<ref name="tbs"/> During his career as PAF pilot, he shot down one [[Indian Air Force]] (IAF) and four [[Israel Air Force]] (IAF) aircraft earning him the coveted title of a flying ace. For his actions, he received various gallantry awards from Pakistan, Jordan and Iraq.<ref name="tbs">{{cite news |url=https://tbsnews.net/economy/aviation/ex-caab-chairman-group-captain-saiful-azam-passes-away-93265|title='Master of the sky' Group Captain Saiful Azam passes away|date=14 June 2020|work=The Business Standard}}</ref> He also took part in 12 ground-attack missions against the Indian forces.<ref name=trib/> After the liberation of [[Bangladesh]], he joined the newly formed [[Bangladesh Air Force]].<ref name="fjw"/>
'''Saiful Azam''' ({{lang-bn|সাইফুল আজম}}; ({{lang-ur|سیف العظم}}; 11 September 1941 – 14 June 2020) was a Bangladeshi fighter pilot, (after 1971 [[Indo-Pakistani war of 1971|Pakistan-India war]]) ace, and politician who first served as a fighter pilot for the [[Pakistan Air Force]] (PAF) (1960–1971) and later the [[Bangladesh Air Force]] (BAF) (1971–1979).<ref name="tbs"/> According to Pakistani sources, during his career as PAF pilot, he shot down one [[Indian Air Force]] (IAF) and four [[Israel Air Force]] (IAF) aircraft. For his actions, he received various gallantry awards from Pakistan, Jordan and Iraq.<ref name="tbs">{{cite news |url=https://tbsnews.net/economy/aviation/ex-caab-chairman-group-captain-saiful-azam-passes-away-93265 |title='Master of the sky' Group Captain Saiful Azam passes away |date=14 June 2020 |work=The Business Standard}}</ref> He also took part in 12 ground-attack missions against the Indian forces.<ref name=trib/> After the liberation of [[Bangladesh]], he joined the newly formed Bangladesh Air Force.<ref name="fjw"/>{{self-published inline|date=May 2024}}


In 1980, Azam retired as a Group Captain from [[Bangladesh Air Force]]. After retiring from the military, Azam continued government service on contract basis and started his own private trading firm. Azam was a one term parliament member(1991-1996) representing his hometown seat of Pabna in the [[Bangladesh Nationalist Party]] (BNP) ticket.<ref name=fjw/> He died on 14 June 2020 at 13:00 hours at the [[Combined Military Hospital (Dhaka)|Combined Military Hospital]], Dhaka.
In 1980, Azam retired as a group captain from the Bangladesh Air Force. After retiring from the military, Azam continued government service on contract basis and started his own private trading firm. Azam was a one term parliament member (1991-1996) representing his hometown seat of Pabna in the [[Bangladesh Nationalist Party]] (BNP) ticket.<ref name=fjw/> He died on 14 June 2020 at 13:00 hours at the [[Combined Military Hospital (Dhaka)|Combined Military Hospital]], Dhaka.


==Personal life and education==
==Personal life and education==
Azam was born in Khagarbaria village, [[Pabna District]], [[East Bengal]], British India (later [[East Pakistan]] and now [[Bangladesh]]) in 1941.<ref name="AirUni">{{cite web|title=Welcome to the Air Command and Staff College Gathering of Eagles Homepage!|url=http://www.au.af.mil/au/goe/eagle_bios/2000/azam_2000.asp|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121231114413/http://www.au.af.mil/au/goe/eagle_bios/2000/azam_2000.asp|archive-date=31 December 2012|access-date=2016-05-12|website=Au.af.mil}}</ref> After completing his secondary schooling in East Pakistan, he moved to West Pakistan and joined the Pakistan Air Force College in Sargodha. After that he joined the [[Pakistan Air Force Academy]], [[Risalpur]] in 1958, successfully gaining commission as an officer in the PAF's General Duties Pilot or GD (P) branch in 1960. Saiful Azam was married to Nishat Azam who is a lawyer.
Azam was born in Khalishadhah-Khagorbariya village, [[Pabna District]], [[East Bengal]], British India (later [[East Pakistan]] and now [[Bangladesh]]) in 1941.<ref name="AirUni">{{cite web |title=Welcome to the Air Command and Staff College Gathering of Eagles Homepage! |url=http://www.au.af.mil/au/goe/eagle_bios/2000/azam_2000.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121231114413/http://www.au.af.mil/au/goe/eagle_bios/2000/azam_2000.asp |archive-date=31 December 2012 |access-date=2016-05-12 |website=Au.af.mil}}</ref> After completing his secondary schooling in East Pakistan, he moved to West Pakistan and joined the Pakistan Air Force College in Sargodha. After that he joined the [[Pakistan Air Force Academy]], [[Risalpur]] in 1958, successfully gaining commission as an officer in the PAF's General Duties Pilot or GD (P) branch in 1960. Saiful Azam was married to Nishat Azam who is a lawyer.


== Service with the Pakistan Air Force (1960–1971) ==
== Service with the Pakistan Air Force (1960–1971) ==
After training with the [[Cessna T-37]] aircraft and further education at [[Luke Air Force Base]], [[Arizona]], with [[North American F-86 Sabre|F-86 Sabres]], in 1963, Azam was posted briefly in [[Dhaka]] before becoming an instructor with the [[T-33]]s at PAF's No. 2 Squadron (Jet Conversion Unit) in [[Mauripur]], [[Karachi]].<ref name=AirUni/> While still posted as an instructor, Azam flew in the [[Indo-Pakistani Air War of 1965|September 1965 war]] with [[India]] as part of PAF's [[No. 17 Squadron (Pakistan Air Force)|No. 17 Squadron]] from PAF Base [[Sargodha]], flying [[F-86]]s.<ref name=AirUni/> After returning from a successful ground attack, Azam's group encountered Indian [[Folland Gnat]] interceptors; Azam shot down Flying Officer Mayadev of the [[Indian Air Force]]. Flying Officer Mayadev ejected and was captured by Pakistani soldiers on the ground.<ref name="fjw"/> Throughout the 1965 war, Azam took part in 12 ground-attack missions which inflicted very heavy damage to the Indian forces.<ref name=trib/> For his actions, Azam was awarded the [[Sitara-e-Jurat]], Pakistan's third highest military award.<ref name="pafgov">{{cite web |title=PAKISTAN AIR FORCE - Official website |url=http://www.paf.gov.pk/air_warriors.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100224072303/http://www.paf.gov.pk/air_warriors.html |archive-date=24 February 2010 |access-date=2016-05-12 |website=Paf.gov.pk}}</ref> In 1966, he assumed the command of PAF's No. 2 Squadron.
After training with the [[Cessna T-37]] aircraft and further education at [[Luke Air Force Base]], [[Arizona]], with [[North American F-86 Sabre|F-86 Sabres]], in 1963, Azam was posted briefly in [[Dhaka]] before becoming an instructor with the [[T-33]]s at PAF's No. 2 Squadron (Jet Conversion Unit) in [[Mauripur]], [[Karachi]].<ref name=AirUni/> While still posted as an instructor, Azam flew in the [[Indo-Pakistani Air War of 1965|September 1965 war]] with India as part of PAF's [[No. 17 Squadron (Pakistan Air Force)|No. 17 Squadron]] from PAF Base [[Sargodha]], flying [[F-86]]s.<ref name=AirUni/> After returning from a successful ground attack, Azam's group encountered Indian [[Folland Gnat]] interceptors; Azam shot down Flying Officer Mayadev of the [[Indian Air Force]]. Flying Officer Mayadev ejected and was captured by Pakistani soldiers on the ground.<ref name="fjw"/> Throughout the 1965 war, Azam took part in 12 ground-attack missions which inflicted very heavy damage to the Indian forces.<ref name=trib/> For his actions, Azam was awarded the [[Sitara-e-Jurat]], Pakistan's third highest military award.<ref name="pafgov">{{cite web |title=PAKISTAN AIR FORCE - Official website |url=http://www.paf.gov.pk/air_warriors.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100224072303/http://www.paf.gov.pk/air_warriors.html |archive-date=24 February 2010 |access-date=2016-05-12 |website=Paf.gov.pk}}</ref> In 1966, he assumed the command of PAF's No. 2 Squadron.


In November 1966, he was sent by the [[Pakistan Air Force]] on deputation as an adviser to the [[Royal Jordanian Air Force]].<ref name=AirUni/> According to Pakistani sources, during the [[Six-Day War|1967 Arab Israel war]], Flight Lieutenant Saiful Azam shot down a [[Dassault Mystère IV]] a [[supersonic aircraft]] belonging to the [[Israeli Air Force]] while flying a [[Hawker Hunter]]. According to the same sources, a day later, he was shifted to an [[Iraq]]i airbase where he shot down a [[Sud Aviation Vautour|Vautour IIA]] and [[Dassault Mirage III]] belonging to the [[Israeli Air Force]], all these fighter aircraft shot down only in two missions this remains the highest shooting record of [[Israeli Air Force]] aircraft till today.<ref>{{cite web|author=[[Kaiser Tufail]]|website=DefenceJournal.com|archive-date=19 August 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030819202259/http://defencejournal.com/2003/june/swordofhusein.htm |url=http://defencejournal.com/2003/june/swordofhusein.htm|title=Sword for Hussein}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OHnpDwAAQBAJ&q=saiful+azam&pg=PT251|title=Air Power in the Indian Ocean and the Western Pacific: Understanding Regional Security Dynamics|first=Howard|last= M. Hensel|date=4 June 2020|publisher=Routledge|isbn=9781000091779}}</ref>
In November 1966, he was sent by the [[Pakistan Air Force]] on deputation as an adviser to the [[Royal Jordanian Air Force]].<ref name=AirUni/> According to Pakistani sources, during the [[Six-Day War|1967 Arab Israel war]], Flight Lieutenant Saiful Azam shot down a [[Dassault Mystère IV]] a [[supersonic aircraft]] belonging to the [[Israeli Air Force]] while flying a [[Hawker Hunter]]. According to the same sources, a day later, he was shifted to an Iraqi airbase where he shot down a [[Sud Aviation Vautour|Vautour IIA]] and [[Dassault Mirage III]] belonging to the Israeli Air Force, all these fighter aircraft shot down only in two missions this remains the highest shooting record of Israeli Air Force aircraft till today.<ref>{{cite web |author=[[Kaiser Tufail]] |website=DefenceJournal.com |archive-date=19 August 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030819202259/http://defencejournal.com/2003/june/swordofhusein.htm |url=http://defencejournal.com/2003/june/swordofhusein.htm |title=Sword for Hussein}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OHnpDwAAQBAJ&q=saiful+azam&pg=PT251 |title=Air Power in the Indian Ocean and the Western Pacific: Understanding Regional Security Dynamics |first=Howard |last=M. Hensel |year=2020 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=9781000091779}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite book|url=http://www.paf.gov.pk/air_warriors.html|title=Pakistan Air Force (PAF) heroes|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170717050259/http://www.paf.gov.pk/air_warriors.html|archive-date=2017-07-17}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite book |url=http://www.paf.gov.pk/air_warriors.html |title=Pakistan Air Force (PAF) heroes |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170717050259/http://www.paf.gov.pk/air_warriors.html |archive-date=2017-07-17}}</ref>


In 1969, after completing his overseas deputation, he returned in service to the PAF and spent several years as flight commander at various PAF bases before the [[Creation of Bangladesh#Independence|Creation of Bangladesh]].<ref name=AirUni/>
In 1969, after completing his overseas deputation, he returned in service to the PAF and spent several years as flight commander at various PAF bases before the [[Creation of Bangladesh#Independence|Creation of Bangladesh]].<ref name=AirUni/>


== Service with the Bangladesh Air Force (1971–1979) ==
== Service with the Bangladesh Air Force (1971–1979) ==
After the independence of Bangladesh in 1971, Azam entered service with the newly formed [[Bangladesh Air Force]] in 1974, serving as Director of Flight Safety and Director of Operations before being given command of the Dhaka Air Base and promoted to [[Group Captain]] in 1977. He retired in 1980 as Group Captain.
After the independence of Bangladesh in 1971, Azam entered service with the newly formed [[Bangladesh Air Force]] in 1974, serving as Director of Flight Safety and Director of Operations before being given command of the Dhaka Air Base and promoted to [[Group Captain]] in 1977. He retired in 1980 as Group Captain.{{fact|date=July 2024}}


== Post-retirement (1980–2020) ==
== Post-retirement (1980–2020) ==
Following his retirement from the military, he joined the [[Bangladesh Nationalist Party]] (BNP).<ref name=fjw/> As BNP candidate, Saiful took part in the [[1991 Bangladeshi general election|fifth parliamentary election]] from [[Pabna-3]] and achieved victory.<ref name=jago>{{cite news|url=https://www.jagonews24.com/en/amp/50313|title=Former Pabna-3 MP Saiful Azam Suja died|newspaper=Jagonews24.com}}</ref>
Following his retirement from the military, he joined the [[Bangladesh Nationalist Party]] (BNP).<ref name=fjw/> As BNP candidate, Saiful took part in the [[1991 Bangladeshi general election|fifth parliamentary election]] from [[Pabna-3]] and achieved victory.<ref name=jago>{{cite news |url=https://www.jagonews24.com/en/amp/50313 |title=Former Pabna-3 MP Saiful Azam Suja died |newspaper=Jagonews24.com}}</ref>


Subsequently, he entered the private business sector as the [[Managing Director]] of Natasha Trading Agency and as the director of a travel agency with his wife.<ref name=AirUni/>
Subsequently, he entered the private business sector as the managing director of Natasha Trading Agency and as the director of a travel agency with his wife.<ref name=AirUni/>


He lived with his wife in Dhaka Cantonment Defense Officers Housing Society (DOHS), while his adult son and daughters live in the state of [[Arizona]], [[United States]].{{citation needed|date=June 2020}}
He lived with his wife in Dhaka Cantonment Defense Officers Housing Society (DOHS), while his adult son and daughters live in the state of [[Arizona]], United States.{{citation needed|date=June 2020}}


==Death==
==Death==
Azam died on 14 June 2020 at a [[Combined Military Hospital (Dhaka)|Combined Military Hospital]] in [[Dhaka]]. Air Chief of Bangladesh Air Force [[Masihuzzaman Serniabat]] expressed deep shock and sadness for his death. A state funeral was arranged at the BAF Base Khademul Bashar parade ground including a fly past in honor of him.<ref name="ispr"/>
Azam died on 14 June 2020 at a [[Combined Military Hospital (Dhaka)|Combined Military Hospital]] in [[Dhaka]]. Air Chief of Bangladesh Air Force [[Masihuzzaman Serniabat]] expressed deep shock and sadness for his death. A state funeral was arranged at the BAF Base Khademul Bashar parade ground including a fly past in honor of him.<ref name="ispr"/>


Pakistan Air Force chief [[Mujahid Anwar Khan]] and the [[State of Palestine|Palestine]] ambassador to [[Pakistan]], Ahmed Rabie, expressed grief over the Azam's death. Mujahid Anwar Khan stated that Azam was an exceptional fighter pilot who would always be remembered for his valour and professionalism.<ref name=trib>{{cite news|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2242978/1-paf-pays-tribute-1965-war-veteran/|title=PAF pays tribute to 1965 war veteran|date=15 June 2020|work=Express Tribune}}</ref> Ahmed Rabie stated that "on behalf of all Palestinians, I send our deepest condolences to his family in Pakistan and in Bangladesh."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://nation.com.pk/15-Jun-2020/palestinian-envoy-grieved-over-eagle-of-sky-s-death|title=Palestinian envoy grieved over Eagle of Sky's death|date=15 June 2020|newspaper=The Nation}}</ref>
Pakistan Air Force chief [[Mujahid Anwar Khan]] and the [[State of Palestine|Palestine]] ambassador to [[Pakistan]], Ahmed Rabie, expressed grief over the Azam's death. Mujahid Anwar Khan stated that Azam was an exceptional fighter pilot who would always be remembered for his valour and professionalism.<ref name=trib>{{cite news |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2242978/1-paf-pays-tribute-1965-war-veteran/ |title=PAF pays tribute to 1965 war veteran |date=15 June 2020 |work=Express Tribune}}</ref> Ahmed Rabie stated that "on behalf of all Palestinians, I send our deepest condolences to his family in Pakistan and in Bangladesh."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://nation.com.pk/15-Jun-2020/palestinian-envoy-grieved-over-eagle-of-sky-s-death |title=Palestinian envoy grieved over Eagle of Sky's death |date=15 June 2020 |newspaper=The Nation}}</ref>


[[Bangladesh Nationalist Party]] (BNP) secretary general, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, also expressed his shock and sorrow at the death of the former BNP politician.<ref name=jago/>
[[Bangladesh Nationalist Party]] (BNP) secretary general, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, also expressed his shock and sorrow at the death of the former BNP politician.<ref name=jago/>

Latest revision as of 19:48, 6 July 2024

Group Captain

Saiful Azam

SJ
Native name
সাইফুল আজম
Born11 September 1941
Faridpur, Bengal, British India
Died14 June 2020 (aged 79)
CMH, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Buried
Dhaka Cantonment, Dhaka, Bangladesh[1]
Allegiance Pakistan (before 1971)
 Bangladesh
Service/branch Pakistan Air Force
 Bangladesh Air Force
Years of service1960–1979
Rank Group Captain
UnitNo. 17 Squadron
Battles/warsIndo-Pak War of 1965
Six-Days War
Bangladesh Liberation War
Awards Sitara-e-Jurat[2]
Wisam al-Istiqlal[2]
Nawt as-Shaja'ah (by Iraq in 2005)[2][self-published source?]
Honoured as an "Eagle" by the Gathering of Eagles Foundation, United States.
Member of Parliament
for Pabna-3
In office
1991–1996
Preceded byAKM Shamsuddin
Succeeded byWazi Uddin Khan
Personal details
Political partyBangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)

Saiful Azam (Bengali: সাইফুল আজম; (Urdu: سیف العظم; 11 September 1941 – 14 June 2020) was a Bangladeshi fighter pilot, (after 1971 Pakistan-India war) ace, and politician who first served as a fighter pilot for the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) (1960–1971) and later the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) (1971–1979).[3] According to Pakistani sources, during his career as PAF pilot, he shot down one Indian Air Force (IAF) and four Israel Air Force (IAF) aircraft. For his actions, he received various gallantry awards from Pakistan, Jordan and Iraq.[3] He also took part in 12 ground-attack missions against the Indian forces.[4] After the liberation of Bangladesh, he joined the newly formed Bangladesh Air Force.[2][self-published source?]

In 1980, Azam retired as a group captain from the Bangladesh Air Force. After retiring from the military, Azam continued government service on contract basis and started his own private trading firm. Azam was a one term parliament member (1991-1996) representing his hometown seat of Pabna in the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) ticket.[2] He died on 14 June 2020 at 13:00 hours at the Combined Military Hospital, Dhaka.

Personal life and education

[edit]

Azam was born in Khalishadhah-Khagorbariya village, Pabna District, East Bengal, British India (later East Pakistan and now Bangladesh) in 1941.[5] After completing his secondary schooling in East Pakistan, he moved to West Pakistan and joined the Pakistan Air Force College in Sargodha. After that he joined the Pakistan Air Force Academy, Risalpur in 1958, successfully gaining commission as an officer in the PAF's General Duties Pilot or GD (P) branch in 1960. Saiful Azam was married to Nishat Azam who is a lawyer.

Service with the Pakistan Air Force (1960–1971)

[edit]

After training with the Cessna T-37 aircraft and further education at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, with F-86 Sabres, in 1963, Azam was posted briefly in Dhaka before becoming an instructor with the T-33s at PAF's No. 2 Squadron (Jet Conversion Unit) in Mauripur, Karachi.[5] While still posted as an instructor, Azam flew in the September 1965 war with India as part of PAF's No. 17 Squadron from PAF Base Sargodha, flying F-86s.[5] After returning from a successful ground attack, Azam's group encountered Indian Folland Gnat interceptors; Azam shot down Flying Officer Mayadev of the Indian Air Force. Flying Officer Mayadev ejected and was captured by Pakistani soldiers on the ground.[2] Throughout the 1965 war, Azam took part in 12 ground-attack missions which inflicted very heavy damage to the Indian forces.[4] For his actions, Azam was awarded the Sitara-e-Jurat, Pakistan's third highest military award.[6] In 1966, he assumed the command of PAF's No. 2 Squadron.

In November 1966, he was sent by the Pakistan Air Force on deputation as an adviser to the Royal Jordanian Air Force.[5] According to Pakistani sources, during the 1967 Arab Israel war, Flight Lieutenant Saiful Azam shot down a Dassault Mystère IV a supersonic aircraft belonging to the Israeli Air Force while flying a Hawker Hunter. According to the same sources, a day later, he was shifted to an Iraqi airbase where he shot down a Vautour IIA and Dassault Mirage III belonging to the Israeli Air Force, all these fighter aircraft shot down only in two missions this remains the highest shooting record of Israeli Air Force aircraft till today.[7][8] [9]

In 1969, after completing his overseas deputation, he returned in service to the PAF and spent several years as flight commander at various PAF bases before the Creation of Bangladesh.[5]

Service with the Bangladesh Air Force (1971–1979)

[edit]

After the independence of Bangladesh in 1971, Azam entered service with the newly formed Bangladesh Air Force in 1974, serving as Director of Flight Safety and Director of Operations before being given command of the Dhaka Air Base and promoted to Group Captain in 1977. He retired in 1980 as Group Captain.[citation needed]

Post-retirement (1980–2020)

[edit]

Following his retirement from the military, he joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).[2] As BNP candidate, Saiful took part in the fifth parliamentary election from Pabna-3 and achieved victory.[10]

Subsequently, he entered the private business sector as the managing director of Natasha Trading Agency and as the director of a travel agency with his wife.[5]

He lived with his wife in Dhaka Cantonment Defense Officers Housing Society (DOHS), while his adult son and daughters live in the state of Arizona, United States.[citation needed]

Death

[edit]

Azam died on 14 June 2020 at a Combined Military Hospital in Dhaka. Air Chief of Bangladesh Air Force Masihuzzaman Serniabat expressed deep shock and sadness for his death. A state funeral was arranged at the BAF Base Khademul Bashar parade ground including a fly past in honor of him.[1]

Pakistan Air Force chief Mujahid Anwar Khan and the Palestine ambassador to Pakistan, Ahmed Rabie, expressed grief over the Azam's death. Mujahid Anwar Khan stated that Azam was an exceptional fighter pilot who would always be remembered for his valour and professionalism.[4] Ahmed Rabie stated that "on behalf of all Palestinians, I send our deepest condolences to his family in Pakistan and in Bangladesh."[11]

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secretary general, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, also expressed his shock and sorrow at the death of the former BNP politician.[10]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Retired Air Force Officer Burided at Shaheen Graveyard After Namaj-e-Zanaja". Inter-Services Public Relations (Bangladesh). 15 June 2020.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g "Group Captain (R) Saiful Azam: The Flying Ace Who Has Been Awarded Gallantry Awards For Valor In Air Combat By 3 Different Countries". Fighter Jets World (FJW). 14 June 2020.
  3. ^ a b "'Master of the sky' Group Captain Saiful Azam passes away". The Business Standard. 14 June 2020.
  4. ^ a b c "PAF pays tribute to 1965 war veteran". Express Tribune. 15 June 2020.
  5. ^ a b c d e f "Welcome to the Air Command and Staff College Gathering of Eagles Homepage!". Au.af.mil. Archived from the original on 31 December 2012. Retrieved 12 May 2016.
  6. ^ "PAKISTAN AIR FORCE - Official website". Paf.gov.pk. Archived from the original on 24 February 2010. Retrieved 12 May 2016.
  7. ^ Kaiser Tufail. "Sword for Hussein". DefenceJournal.com. Archived from the original on 19 August 2003.
  8. ^ M. Hensel, Howard (2020). Air Power in the Indian Ocean and the Western Pacific: Understanding Regional Security Dynamics. Routledge. ISBN 9781000091779.
  9. ^ Pakistan Air Force (PAF) heroes. Archived from the original on 17 July 2017.
  10. ^ a b "Former Pabna-3 MP Saiful Azam Suja died". Jagonews24.com.
  11. ^ "Palestinian envoy grieved over Eagle of Sky's death". The Nation. 15 June 2020.
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