Staff Reporter :
The Bangladesh Air Force has defended the presence of its fighter jet base in Dhaka, describing it as essential to the country’s air defence strategy and consistent with global practices of maintaining military aviation facilities in capital cities.
This clarification comes in response to growing public concern following the fatal crash of an F-7BGI fighter jet into Milestone School and College in the city’s Diabari area on 21 July.
The tragedy claimed 34 lives, most of them
schoolchildren, making it one of the deadliest aviation incidents in the nation’s military history.
Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, Air Commodore Mohammad Sahidul Islam, Director of Air Operations, emphasised Dhaka’s strategic significance, stating that the base’s location is critical for ensuring rapid response and airspace security.
“Given the capital’s strategic importance, the presence of a fighter jet base is vital. It allows us to effectively protect our skies and meet operational requirements,” he said.
Public concerns have been raised over the safety of the Chinese-made F-7BGI aircraft, the appropriateness of conducting training flights over densely populated areas, and the proximity of civilian structures to the airbase.
Air Commodore Sahidul noted that the airbase is supported by key infrastructure such as extended runways, radar systems, air traffic control, fuel depots, and maintenance facilities – all of which justify its continued operation in the capital.
He added that single-seat fighter aircraft are regularly deployed for year-round pilot training under strict safety protocols. Communication among the aircraft, radar units, and air traffic control remained intact throughout the ill-fated flight, he confirmed.
When asked about the final communication from Flight Lieutenant Towkir Islam, the pilot who perished in the crash, Sahidul declined to comment, citing an ongoing investigation by the Air Force.
“We will refrain from speculation until the inquiry is concluded,” he said.
Reports of a sudden altitude drop before the crash and questions surrounding the height of nearby structures, including the Milestone building, are also being examined, according to the Air Force.
Air Commodore Md Mizanur Rahman, who heads the Emergency Response Centre, confirmed that alongside an internal investigation, a national-level inquiry has been launched to assess all relevant factors.
“The location and height of the school building will be thoroughly reviewed. No aspect of the incident will be overlooked,” he said.
He also mentioned the possibility of involvement from Chinese experts, given the aircraft’s origin, to assist in identifying the root cause.
Rescue operations began immediately after the crash, and a high-level investigation committee was promptly established. An Emergency Support Centre was also set up on 21 July to coordinate humanitarian aid, Mizanur added.
The centre has since been assisting with medical treatment, identification of victims, burial arrangements, family support, and blood donation initiatives.
A temporary medical camp has also been established at the Milestone campus, providing access to both general medical care and psychological counselling.
“We remain fully committed to supporting all affected individuals and their families for as long as necessary,” he said.
Also addressing the media, Milestone School and College Principal Jahangir Khan said that in the immediate aftermath of the crash, the priority was to account for the 738 enrolled students. Of these, 590 were present at the time of the incident.
He explained that grilled window installations in the building were intended to ensure safety for younger pupils and denied any allegations of unauthorised construction.
“Our building was constructed with full approval from RAJUK and the Civil Aviation Authority,” he stated, adding that the area includes several other approved educational institutions and high-rise buildings.
He further noted that nearby metro rail structures exceed the height of the school building, underlining that Milestone was not an outlier in terms of construction norms for the area.
