Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) has firmly stated that there are no plans to relocate its base from Dhaka, emphasising the vital role of its fighter jets in safeguarding the capital’s airspace and upholding national security.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Bangladesh Aviation and Aerospace University in Tejgaon on Monday, Air Commodore Shahidul Islam, Director of the Air Operations Directorate, underscored the strategic importance of maintaining air bases within the capital.
“Air defence of Dhaka is non-negotiable,” he said. “A fighter jet base in the capital is critical to ensuring rapid response capability and securing national airspace. Capitals of many countries around the world host similar installations. There is no plan to relocate this strategic facility.”
His statement comes in the aftermath of the tragic FT-7 fighter jet crash into Milestone School and College in Uttara on 21 July, which claimed 35 lives, including children and school staff, and sparked widespread public debate over the risks posed by military aviation near residential areas.
Air Commodore Md Mizanur Rahman, Chief Coordinator of the Air Force Emergency Coordination Centre, provided updates on the ongoing investigation.
He confirmed that the Air Force had responded to the crash immediately and that a high-level inquiry committee was formed the same day.
He said that a team of Chinese aviation experts is expected to assist with the investigation, as the FT-7 fighter jet involved in the incident is of Chinese manufacture.
“International technical expertise will strengthen the investigation process,” said Air Commodore Rahman. “We are committed to a thorough and transparent inquiry that identifies the root cause of this tragic event.”
The Air Force also reaffirmed its dedication to supporting the families of those affected.
“We stand with the victims’ families in this time of grief,” said Mizanur Rahman. “We will provide all necessary assistance—medical, financial, and emotional—for as long as it is required.”
When asked whether the pilot was in contact with air traffic control at the time of the crash, Mizanur Rahman said a high-level investigation committee has been formed to look into the matter. However, he confirmed that communication with pilot Towkir was maintained until the final moments.
Captain (Retd.) Jahangir Khan, Principal at the Diabari Campus of Milestone School and College, also attended the press briefing. He reported that 538 of the school’s 738 students were present on the day of the tragic incident.
Responding to questions about the ground floor security grilles, Captain Khan explained that the area was previously low-lying and later raised with sand. The grilles, he said, were installed before the elevation work was carried out, with the intention of ensuring student safety.
He said that while a definitive reopening date for the school has not yet been set, efforts are underway to resume classes as soon as conditions permit.
On July 21, a Bangladesh Air Force fighter jet crashed into a building on the Milestone School and College campus in Dhaka’s Diabari area.
The crash is now considered one of the deadliest military aviation accidents in the country’s history, with at least 35 confirmed fatalities—most of them children.
