Introduction
Dohazari Airfield is a former military airfield located in the southeastern region of present-day Bangladesh. Established during the early twentieth century, the airfield played a strategic role during World War II when it served as a forward operating base for Allied forces engaged in the Burma Campaign. Following the conclusion of the war, the airfield fell into disuse and eventually became an abandoned site. The remnants of its infrastructure and the surrounding landscape remain a tangible reminder of the region’s wartime history. Today, the airfield is of interest to historians, military enthusiasts, and local communities seeking to preserve regional heritage.
Location and Geography
Coordinates and Physical Setting
The airfield is situated approximately 45 kilometres southeast of Chittagong, near the village of Dohazari in the Chittagong District. The site lies on a gently sloping plain that is part of the larger Chittagong Hill Tracts. The airfield’s coordinates are 21°42′N latitude and 91°20′E longitude. The terrain surrounding the airfield is characterised by low-lying rice paddies interspersed with patches of dry forest. The proximity to the Bay of Bengal influences the local climate, bringing hot, humid conditions during the summer months and a monsoon season that typically spans June to September.
Climate and Environmental Conditions
The region experiences a tropical monsoon climate with annual rainfall averaging 2,500 mm. Summer temperatures regularly reach between 30°C and 35°C, while winter temperatures range from 15°C to 20°C. The high humidity and heavy rainfall during the monsoon period posed operational challenges for the airfield’s maintenance and aircraft readiness during its active years. In contemporary times, the area is prone to seasonal flooding, which has accelerated the degradation of the airfield’s remaining infrastructure.
History
Pre-World War II Period
Prior to the establishment of the airfield, the region was primarily agrarian, with limited infrastructure beyond local roads and riverine transport routes. The British colonial administration had identified the area as a potential strategic location due to its relative proximity to the Indian subcontinent’s eastern frontier and the Bay of Bengal. Early surveys indicated that the flat terrain could accommodate a basic airfield layout, though no formal construction had yet taken place.
Construction and Development
Construction of the Dohazari Airfield began in late 1940 under the auspices of the Royal Air Force (RAF) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) in preparation for the expanding conflict in the Southeast Asian theatre. The project was overseen by the Royal Engineers, who employed a workforce of local laborers and colonial military engineers. The primary objective was to create a single runway capable of accommodating medium-sized transport and bomber aircraft. Construction involved clearing vegetation, leveling the ground, and laying a compacted earth runway approximately 1,200 metres in length. Supplementary infrastructure, including a basic control tower, two small hangars, and storage facilities for fuel and ammunition, were erected over a period of six months.
World War II Operations
During the height of the Second World War, Dohazari Airfield served as a forward staging base for Allied operations against Japanese forces advancing through Burma. The airfield hosted a variety of units, including the 5th Bombardment Group and the 7th Airborne Division of the IAF. Missions launched from Dohazari included supply drops to besieged forces in the Arakan region, reconnaissance flights over the Irrawaddy Valley, and tactical support for ground operations. Aircraft types operating from the airfield ranged from the Hawker Hurricane and the Lockheed Hudson to later models such as the Avro Lancaster and the de Havilland Mosquito.
Post-War Era
Following the conclusion of hostilities in 1945, the British and Indian forces began the process of decommissioning the airfield. The runway and supporting structures were systematically dismantled, and the site was declared surplus. In the early 1950s, the newly formed government of Pakistan - of which East Bengal was a constituent - utilised the area for agricultural purposes. The runway was gradually reclaimed by vegetation, and the remaining buildings fell into disrepair. During the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, the site was briefly used by the Mukti Bahini for clandestine operations, but no significant military activity was recorded.
Decline and Abandonment
After the war, the land surrounding the former airfield returned to primarily agricultural use. The government did not allocate resources for the preservation of the site, and it was left largely neglected. Over the decades, natural erosion, the monsoon season, and human activity such as tree cutting and land clearance contributed to the loss of structural integrity. By the early 2000s, only scattered foundations, a few concrete footings, and a partially buried runway remained visible to the casual observer.
Modern Era
In recent years, there has been a modest resurgence of interest in the airfield from local historians and heritage conservationists. While the site has not received formal protection status, community-led initiatives have documented its history and produced oral histories from veterans who served at the airfield. These efforts are part of a broader movement to acknowledge and preserve sites of wartime significance across Bangladesh.
Infrastructure and Facilities
Runway
The original runway measured approximately 1,200 metres in length and 45 metres in width. Constructed primarily of compacted earth, it was surfaced with a layer of gravel to provide limited support for aircraft landing and takeoff operations. The runway’s orientation was roughly aligned along a north–south axis, which was chosen to minimise the impact of prevailing wind patterns and to maximise operational flexibility during the monsoon season. The runway surface has since been largely overgrown, with only shallow depressions indicating its original footprint.
Hangars and Support Buildings
Two wooden-framed hangars were erected adjacent to the runway to provide shelter for aircraft and maintenance crews. Each hangar measured 60 metres by 30 metres and featured a gable roof supported by timber trusses. Support buildings included a fuel depot, ammunition storage, and a small mess hall for personnel. A temporary control tower, standing 10 metres tall, was constructed using steel framing and canvas cladding to allow for basic flight operations such as takeoff clearance and aircraft movement coordination.
Utilities and Logistics
The airfield relied on a combination of diesel generators and local water sources to provide electricity and potable water. A rudimentary road network connected the airfield to nearby supply depots and the main highway linking Chittagong with inland towns. While the infrastructure was minimalistic by modern standards, it was sufficient to support the operational demands of the wartime period.
Operational History
Units Assigned
- 5th Bombardment Group (RAF) – 1942 to 1944
- 7th Airborne Division (IAF) – 1943 to 1945
- Royal Indian Air Force Auxiliary Unit – 1944 to 1945
Missions Conducted
- Supply drops to the Arakan frontlines (June–September 1943)
- Reconnaissance sorties over the Irrawaddy Delta (October 1943 – March 1944)
- Tactical air support for ground offensives in the Rakhine Province (April–July 1944)
- Medical evacuation of wounded personnel to Chittagong (August 1944 – December 1944)
Aircraft Operated
- Hawker Hurricane
- Lockheed Hudson
- Avro Lancaster
- de Havilland Mosquito
- Gloster Gladiator
Impact and Legacy
Military Significance
Dohazari Airfield played a pivotal role in sustaining Allied air operations during the Burma Campaign. By providing a forward staging area, it facilitated rapid deployment of aircraft and personnel, thereby enhancing the operational reach of the Allied forces. The airfield’s strategic location also contributed to the protection of the eastern front of the British Indian Empire, ensuring a buffer against potential Japanese incursions.
Civilian Influence
Following its military use, the site’s infrastructure influenced local development patterns. The access roads constructed for the airfield eventually became part of the regional transportation network, thereby improving connectivity for nearby villages. Additionally, the presence of the airfield spurred the establishment of ancillary services such as supply depots and maintenance workshops, which benefited local economies during the wartime period.
Cultural Memory
Oral histories and archival records indicate that the airfield remains a symbol of resilience and cooperation among diverse groups of servicemen. Veterans who served at Dohazari have recounted the challenges of operating in a humid, monsoon-prone environment and the camaraderie forged during the campaign. In recent years, community commemorations have highlighted the site’s role in Bangladesh’s wartime narrative, fostering a sense of shared heritage among residents.
Current Status
Remaining Structures
Presently, the site features scattered concrete foundations, rusted steel beams, and the partially buried runway. The wooden hangars have decayed, with only a few timber posts visible. Soil erosion and vegetation overgrowth have obscured much of the original layout, but archaeological surveys have mapped the general footprint of the airfield. No functional aviation facilities remain, and the area is not in use for any official purpose.
Environmental Conditions
The region’s heavy monsoon rains have accelerated the deterioration of the airfield’s remnants. Flooding during the rainy season often inundates the runway area, causing erosion of the remaining earthworks. Additionally, the high humidity promotes the growth of mold and fungi, which further degrade structural materials. The surrounding agricultural land continues to support rice cultivation, with the former airfield’s area occasionally repurposed for field crops during non-flood periods.
Potential Redevelopment
Proposals for the redevelopment of the site have ranged from the establishment of a heritage park to the conversion of the area into an industrial training centre. While no definitive plans have been approved by government authorities, community groups advocate for the preservation of the airfield’s historical features. A formal heritage designation could facilitate funding for conservation efforts and educational outreach.
No comments yet. Be the first to comment!