Bangladeshi “Israeli warplanes hunter” passes away at 80
The hero was the only fighter pilot who downed four Israeli aircrafts during the 1967 war, which is also a world record.
Dhaka (QNN)- Bangladeshi-origin fighter pilot hero Saiful Azam died in the capital Dhaka on Monday, according to officials and media reports.
The former 80-year-old Civil Aviation Authority Bangladesh (CAAB) chief breathed his last while undergoing treatment at the Combined Military Hospital around 1pm on Monday.
Azam, also a former lawmaker from Bangladesh’s mid-northern Pabna-3 constituency, was regarded as a legendary figure for Bangladeshi people thanks to his untouched records as a fighter pilot.
According to available records, Azam is the unique air force figure in the history of Bangladesh who took part in wars as a fighter pilot of three different countries — Jordan, Iraq and Pakistan.
He was the only fighter pilot who downed four Israeli aircrafts during the 1967 war, which is also a world record. He shot down an Israeli Vatour Bomber, a super Mystere, and a Mirage IIIC in only two missions.
During the 1965 India-Pakistan war he also downed an Indian warplane that encouraged Pakistani forces to stand against India with limited warfare tools.
He was awarded Pakistani’s Star of Courage (Sitara-e-Jurat) medal, the third prestigious award of Pakistan’s military.
He also received various gallantry awards from both Jordan and Iraq for his extraordinary skill and courage.
In 2001, he was honoured by the United States Air Force (USAF) and enjoys the status of being one of the 22 ‘Living Eagles’ of the world.
Ambassador of Palestineو Ahmed Rabieو has expressed his profound grief over the death of Azam.
In his message the envoy said, “It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of legendary Eagle of the Sky- Group Captain (R) Saiful Azam (1941 – 14 June 2020).” “On behalf of all Palestinians, I send our deepest condolences to his family in Pakistan and in Bangladesh.”
“Our hero Saiful Azam, who exits this realm doesn’t truly leave!,” he further said.
“In our memories, in our minds, he still exists. He was an outstanding hero and he was a true patriot in every respect.”
