Sultan Mahmud

Air Vice Marshal Sultan Mahmud, Bir Uttom (2 May 1942 – 14 August 2023) was a former chief of the Bangladesh Air Force and a former deputy chief martial law administrator. As a member of Kilo Flight, he was one of the founders of Bangladesh's Air Force. He later served as the Minister of Industries. He received the Independence Award from the Government of Bangladesh in 2018.

Early life and education He was born on 2 May 1942 in Feni. He obtained his primary education from Armanitola Government High School. Later he was admitted to PAF College Sargodha. He completed his matriculation and Senior Cambridge from PAF College Sargodha in 1958 and in 1960 respectively. He joined the Pakistan Air Force as Cadet in 1960.

Career He joined the Pakistan Air Force on 19 August 1960. He was commissioned in the Pakistan Air Force on 1 July 1962. In 1971 he was posted to Karachi. In May 1971 he left Karachi to join the liberation war and went to Dhaka. After the independence he served in Bangladesh Air Force. He served as the commanding officer of BAF Bashar and BAF Matiur Rahman. He also served as the commandant of Bangladesh Air Force Academy and as director (operations) at BAF HQ. On 1 June 1986, he was placed in charge of the Ministry of Industries. He was acquitted of these charges 24 years later.

Personal life He was married to Ferdaus Ara Mahmud. They have a son and a daughter.

Awards and decorations

Independence Day Award (Independence Day Award )Bir Uttom (Bir Uttom)Nirapattya Padak (Nirapattya Padak)Rono Taroka (Rono Taroka)Samar Padak (Samar Padak)Mukti Taroka (Mukti Taroka)Joy Padak (Joy Padak)Songbidhan Padak (Songbidhan Padak)Jesthata Padak II (Jesthata Padak II)Jesthata Padak I (Jesthata Padak I)Sitara-e-Harb 1965 War (War Star 1965)Tamgha-e-Jang 1965 War (War Medal 1965)

Death Sultan Mahmud died in Dhaka on 14 August 2023, at the age of 81.