Saiful Azam - Revision history

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← Older revision		Revision as of 12:47, 13 December 2022
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	{{short description\|Bangladeshi fighter pilot ~~and flying ace~~}}		{{short description\|Bangladeshi fighter pilot}}
	{{Infobox military person		{{Infobox military person
			\| honorific_prefix = [[Group Captain]]
	\| name = Saiful Azam		\| name = Saiful Azam
	\| native_name = সাইফুল আজম		\| native_name = সাইফুল আজম
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	\| serviceyears = 1960–1979		\| serviceyears = 1960–1979
	\| rank = [[File:British RAF OF-5.svg\|20px]] [[Group Captain]] (Bangladesh)		\| rank = [[File:British RAF OF-5.svg\|20px]] [[Group Captain]] (Bangladesh)
	\| awards = [[Sitara-e-Jurat]] "Star of Courage" (by [[Pakistan]])<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/>Wisam al-Istiqlal "Order of Freedom" (by [[Jordan]])<ref name="fjw"/><br/>Nawt as-Shaja'ah "Medal of Valour" (by [[Iraq]])<ref name="fjw"/><br/>		\| awards = [[Sitara-e-Jurat]] "Star of Courage" (by [[Pakistan]])<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 2022}}</ref><br/>Wisam al-Istiqlal "Order of Freedom" (by [[Jordan]])<ref name="fjw"/><br/>Nawt as-Shaja'ah "Medal of Valour" (by [[Iraq]])<ref name="fjw"/><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
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	}}		}}
	}}		}}
	'''Saiful Azam''' (11 September 1941 – 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 three [[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 ~~separation~~ of ~~East Pakistan now~~ [[Bangladesh]], ~~Azam left the PAF and~~ joined the newly formed [[Bangladesh Air Force]].<ref name="fjw"/>		'''Saiful Azam''' (11 September 1941 – 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 three [[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"/>

	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('91~'95) 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 [[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('91~'95) 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.
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	== 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 ~~wars and conflicts~~\|September 1965 war]] with [[India]] as part of PAF's 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/> 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/> 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/> 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]]. 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 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/> 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]]. 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>
	<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>

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	== Post-retirement (1980–2020) ==		== Post-retirement (1980–2020) ==
	~~Saiful Azam was given respect from 5 Countries ....1. Pakistan 2. Jordan. 3. Iraq And 4. Bangladesh 5. USA.~~ 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 2022}}

	==Career achievements==		==Career achievements==

UpdateBot: robot: Update article (please report if you notice any mistake or error in this edit)

2022-06-18T20:44:49Z

robot: Update article (please report if you notice any mistake or error in this edit)

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:14, 19 June 2022
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	{{short description\|Bangladeshi fighter pilot}}		{{short description\|Bangladeshi fighter pilot and flying ace}}
	{{Infobox military person		{{Infobox military person
	\| name = Saiful Azam		\| name = Saiful Azam
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	}}		}}
	}}		}}
	'''Saiful Azam''' (11 September 1941 – 14 June 2020) was a ~~[[Bangladesh]]i~~ 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 three [[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 separation of East Pakistan now [[Bangladesh]], Azam left the PAF and joined the newly formed [[Bangladesh Air Force]].<ref name="fjw"/>		'''Saiful Azam''' (11 September 1941 – 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 three [[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 separation of East Pakistan now [[Bangladesh]], Azam left the PAF and joined the newly formed [[Bangladesh Air Force]].<ref name="fjw"/>

	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('91~'95) 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 [[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('91~'95) 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.
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	== Post-retirement (1980–2020) ==		== Post-retirement (1980–2020) ==
	Saiful Azam ~~Was Give Respect From~~ 5 Countries ....1. Pakistan 2. Jordan. 3. Iraq And 4. Bangladesh 5. USA. 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 ~~dies~~\|newspaper=Jagonews24.com}}</ref>		Saiful Azam was given respect from 5 Countries ....1. Pakistan 2. Jordan. 3. Iraq And 4. Bangladesh 5. USA. 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/>
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	==Career achievements==		==Career achievements==
	Saiful Azam flew for four air forces ([[Bangladesh]], [[Pakistan]], [[Jordan]] and [[Iraq]]). He destroyed fighter planes of two different air forces ([[India]] and [[Israel]]) while serving for Pakistan Air Force.<ref name=pafgov>{{cite web\|url=http://www.paf.gov.pk/air_warriors.html \|title=PAKISTAN AIR FORCE - Official website \|website=Paf.gov.pk \|access-date=2016-05-12\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100224072303/http://www.paf.gov.pk/air_warriors.html\|archive-date=24 February 2010\|url-status=dead}}</ref> As of 2012, he held the record for shooting down more [[Israel]]i aircraft than any other, total 3.<ref name=pafgov/> In 2001, a non-profit & private organisation named The Gathering of Eagles Foundation rewarded him as one of the Living Eagles at [[Gathering of Eagles Program]], their annual aviation event of 2000<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://goefoundation.org/year_honored/2000/ \|title=List of Living Eagles of 2000}}</ref>		Saiful Azam flew for four air forces ([[Bangladesh]], [[Pakistan]], [[Jordan]] and [[Iraq]]). He allegedly destroyed fighter planes of two different air forces ([[India]] and [[Israel]]) while serving for Pakistan Air Force.<ref name=pafgov>{{cite web\|url=http://www.paf.gov.pk/air_warriors.html \|title=PAKISTAN AIR FORCE - Official website \|website=Paf.gov.pk \|access-date=2016-05-12\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100224072303/http://www.paf.gov.pk/air_warriors.html\|archive-date=24 February 2010\|url-status=dead}}</ref> As of 2012, he held the record for shooting down more [[Israel]]i aircraft than any other, total 3.<ref name=pafgov/> In 2001, a non-profit & private organisation named The Gathering of Eagles Foundation rewarded him as one of the Living Eagles at [[Gathering of Eagles Program]], their annual aviation event of 2000<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://goefoundation.org/year_honored/2000/ \|title=List of Living Eagles of 2000}}</ref>

	==Death==		==Death==

->Thepharoah17 at 16:19, 3 November 2021

2021-11-03T16:19:21Z

New page

{{short description|Bangladeshi fighter pilot}}
{{Infobox military person
| name = Saiful Azam
| native_name = সাইফুল আজম
| native_name_lang = bn
| birth_date = 11 September 1941
| death_date = 14 June 2020 (aged 79)
| birth_place = Khagarbarhia, [[Faridpur Upazila]], [[Pabna District]], [[Rajshahi Division]], East Bengal, [[British India]] (now [[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_label =
| image = File:Saiful Azam.jpeg
| allegiance = {{PAK}} (1947–1971) {{nowrap|{{flag|Bangladesh|size=23px}}}} (1971–1979)
| branch = {{Air force|Pakistan|size=23px}} (1960–1971) {{Air force|Bangladesh|size=23px}} (1974–1979)
| serviceyears = 1960–1979
| rank = [[File:British RAF OF-5.svg|20px]] [[Group Captain]] (Bangladesh)
| awards = [[Sitara-e-Jurat]] "Star of Courage" (by [[Pakistan]])<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> Wisam al-Istiqlal "Order of Freedom" (by [[Jordan]])<ref name="fjw"/> Nawt as-Shaja'ah "Medal of Valour" (by [[Iraq]])<ref name="fjw"/> 
Honoured as an "Eagle" by the Gathering of Eagles Foundation, [[United States]].
| module = {{Infobox officeholder
| constituency_MP1 = [[Pabna-3]]
| embed = yes
| party = [[Bangladesh Nationalist Party]] (BNP)
| predecessor1 = [[AKM Shamsuddin]]
| successor1 = [[Wazi Uddin Khan]]
| term_end1 = 1996
| term_start1 = 1991
}}
}}
'''Saiful Azam''' (11 September 1941 – 14 June 2020) was a [[Bangladesh]]i 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 three [[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 separation of East Pakistan now [[Bangladesh]], Azam left the PAF and joined the newly formed [[Bangladesh Air Force]].<ref name="fjw"/>

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('91~'95) 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==
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=15 September 2021|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) ==
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 wars and conflicts|September 1965 war]] with [[India]] as part of PAF's 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/> 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/> 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]]. 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 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>
<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/>

== 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.

== Post-retirement (1980–2020) ==
Saiful Azam Was Give Respect From 5 Countries ....1. Pakistan 2. Jordan. 3. Iraq And 4. Bangladesh 5. USA. 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 dies|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/>

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}}

==Career achievements==
Saiful Azam flew for four air forces ([[Bangladesh]], [[Pakistan]], [[Jordan]] and [[Iraq]]). He destroyed fighter planes of two different air forces ([[India]] and [[Israel]]) while serving for Pakistan Air Force.<ref name=pafgov>{{cite web|url=http://www.paf.gov.pk/air_warriors.html |title=PAKISTAN AIR FORCE - Official website |website=Paf.gov.pk |access-date=2016-05-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100224072303/http://www.paf.gov.pk/air_warriors.html|archive-date=24 February 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> As of 2012, he held the record for shooting down more [[Israel]]i aircraft than any other, total 3.<ref name=pafgov/> In 2001, a non-profit & private organisation named The Gathering of Eagles Foundation rewarded him as one of the Living Eagles at [[Gathering of Eagles Program]], their annual aviation event of 2000<ref>{{cite web|url=https://goefoundation.org/year_honored/2000/ |title=List of Living Eagles of 2000}}</ref>

==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"/>

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/>

==See also==
* [[Sattar Alvi]]
* [[Muhammad Mahmood Alam]]
* [[8-Pass Charlie]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Azam, Saiful}}
[[Category:1941 births]]
[[Category:2020 deaths]]
[[Category:Pakistan Air Force officers]]
[[Category:Pakistani flying aces]]
[[Category:Bangladesh Air Force personnel]]
[[Category:Bangladeshi aviators]]
[[Category:Pilots of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965]]
[[Category:PAF College Sargodha alumni]]
[[Category:Aviation record holders]]
[[Category:5th Jatiya Sangsad members]]
[[Category:Pakistani aviation record holders]]
[[Category:Six-Day War pilots]]