It is highly likely that the name that strikes your mind is “Jessore Air Force Academy.” Well, Jessore Air Force Academy (BAFA) is one of the major training institutions of defense services in Bangladesh. It is situated at the BAF Base Matiur Rahman, Jessore (Jashore), the birth place of future Officers of Bangladesh Air Force. Whether you are a student, parent or in the field of researching on careers, BAFA should be topping your list.
History & Evolution
early days of BAFA date back to the period following Bangladesh’s Liberation War, when the nation realized they needed a dedicated academy to educate air force officers. According to historical records:
- Training activities commenced in November 1974 by establishing the Cadets’ Training Unit (CTU) at Dhaka.
- The CTU was moved to Jessore and re-designated as Cadets’ Training Wing (CTW) in April 1977.
- In April 1982 this institution was declared the Bangladesh Air Force Academy (BAFA).
From humble beginnings, BAFA has developed into a significant education and training establishment – enrolling cadets from home and overseas, providing a mix of flying, technical and leadership development.
Also Read: Jessore Airport
Why Jessore? Strategic Location & Facilities
Jessore (Jashore) is not just on the map — it’s strategically located:
- The academy is situated in the premises of BAF Base Matiur Rahman at Jessore, some 140 km to the south-west of Dhaka.
- When kept clear of the city commotion, it encourages single-minded training, airfield room and safe sky for flight cadets.
- The academy now boasts modern facilities such as simulators, special training airframes, and a foreign cadet entry scheme. For instance, it was mentioned in the Summer Parade 2025 that “the fame of its training quality has spread all over the world…As many as thirty foreign flight cadets have so far successfully completed their training from this academy”.
Which is why, for local youth in Jessore at least, the academy is not just a national treasure — it’s a potential nearby path to a career in defence.
Training Programmes & Branches
BAFA is not “only flying” — it’s an officer training school in all its dimensions:
- Air Cadets: These members join with the objective of being pilots (GD Pilot trade), they receive flight training, go on simulators, learn discipline and leadership.
- Non-Pilot Branches: Technical (Engineering; E &I; Armament), Logistics, Administration, Meteorology, Accounts, Legal Education and ATC. For an air force, these are the crucial branches.
- Leadership & Service Training – Cadets undergo general service training (like uniform discipline, drill, leadership), academics on current affairs and air force specific subjects. The academy underscores on becoming ‘all-round officers’.
This diversity makes BAFA a powerful offer to students with a range of strengths - and not all want to be in the sky.
Also Read: Jessore Cantonment
Achievements, Ceremonies & Recognition
Why does the BAFA matter? Because it delivers. Some recent highlights:
- The Osmani Gold Medal Award Ceremony took place in BAFA to celebrate cadets’ academic and training achievements.
- The President’s Parade (Summer -2025) for the commissioning of No 86 BAFA Course and Direct Entry 2025A was held in Jessore. Awards such as the ‘Sword of Honour’ and ‘Birshreshto Matiur Rahman Trophy’ were conferred upon them.
- In 2003, the Academy received the highly-esteemed National Colours accolade for exceptional achievement.
How It Matters to Jessore & Career Aspirants
If you’re in Jessore, or somewhere nearby, or writing to a Jessore-centric site (sorta like you are), here’s why this matters:
- Local Opportunity: People in Jessore district have massive institutions for their air-force career.
- Regional Benefits: BAFA is a key part of the regional economy and infrastructure, and reflects its national importance.
Admission & Pathway (General Overview)
Details Admission rules While the latest admission rules should be cross checked from the official BAFA’s website, the general tips are:
- Flying and Non-Pilot branch applicants will have to satisfy educational (SSC, HSC and equivalent), physical, and medical standards.
- Training covers the officer cadet course and upon completion, officers are commissioned in the BAF.
Also Read: Jessore Shaheed Minar
The Jessore Air Force Academy (BAFA) is an institution with a dual mission; it’s the main academy for air force training and prospects — but it’s also a pathway into the high-flying world of Bangladeshi military leadership. It is in Jessore, and symbolizes strategic positioning, contemporary training and a great heritage.
