BAF defends presence of fighter jet base in Dhaka

The Bangladesh Air Force has defended the presence of a fighter jet base in Dhaka, saying it is essential for the country’s air defence and in line with strategic and operational requirements typical of capital cities around the world.

The comment follows mounting public scrutiny after an Air Force F-7BGI fighter jet crashed into Milestone School and College in Dhaka’s Diabari area on Jul 21, killing 34 people, mostly children, in one of the deadliest military aviation disasters in Bangladesh’s history.

On Monday, Air Commodore Mohammad Sahidul Islam, director of air operations, said: “Due to the capital’s strategic and operational necessity, a fighter jet base in Dhaka is indispensable for defending the country’s airspace.”

Following the crash, questions have been raised over the safety of the Chinese-built F-7BGI jet, the prudence of conducting training flights over densely populated areas, and the proximity of tall civilian buildings near the airfield.

Speaking at a press briefing, Sahidul said fighter jet operations require “a wide runway, air traffic control, maintenance and logistics support, fuel storage, and radar facilities”, all of which necessitate the presence of an airbase in the capital.

He added that operational aircraft are routinely used for pilot training throughout the year, including single-seater jets, and all necessary safety protocols are followed.

 “All communications between the aircraft, radar squadron, and air traffic control were maintained until the final moments of the flight,” he said.

Asked about the final communication with Flight Lieutenant Towkir Islam, the pilot who died in the crash, Sahidul declined to comment, citing an ongoing high-level investigation launched by the Air Force.

 “We will refrain from offering any conclusions until the probe is complete,” he said.

In response to reports that the aircraft lost altitude rapidly before crashing, and growing concern over the height of nearby buildings, including the Milestone structure, the Air Force said these matters are also under investigation.

Air Commodore Md Mizanur Rahman, chief coordinator of the Emergency Response Centre, said a national-level probe committee has been formed alongside the Air Force investigation.

 “Every detail, including the height and location of the Milestone building, will be examined. Nothing will be left out,” he assured.

Mizanur Rahman also confirmed that China may send a delegation to assist in the investigation, as the aircraft was of Chinese origin.

 “International cooperation will help determine the root cause of the crash,” he said.

He added that the Air Force initiated rescue operations on the day of the incident and immediately formed a high-level inquiry committee. In the aftermath, it launched a series of humanitarian efforts under a newly established Emergency Support Centre on Jul 21.

The centre is coordinating medical treatment for victims, verifying the identities of the dead, facilitating communication with families, arranging burials, and organising blood donations.

A temporary medical camp has been set up at Milestone School, staffed with a psychologist and a general medicine specialist, who will be available regularly, Mizanur said.

 “We are committed to providing long-term support to all victims and their families, for as long as needed,” he added.

Milestone School and College Principal Jahangir Khan, who was also present in the briefing, responded to questions about CCTV footage and the school’s safety features. “Our first priority was to account for our 738 students. Reviewing CCTV footage wasn’t feasible at that moment,” he said.

He confirmed that nearly 590 students were present on the day of the crash and that the building’s grilled windows were installed for the safety of younger children.

Dismissing allegations of illegal construction, Jahangir said the building was erected following all relevant approvals from RAJUK and the Civil Aviation Authority.

 “There are many other educational institutions in the locality. Milestone was not treated as an exception,” he said.

He added that the metro rail infrastructure nearby is even taller than the school building and that the entire area is surrounded by high-rise structures, all built with proper permissions.