[🇧🇩-Airforce] A trainer jet crashes, 19 people die.

[Saif]

Guys - we are so quick to blame obsolete cheaper aircraft (somewhat warranted I admit in this case) but all aircraft must be properly maintained and kept up, these are precision machines. In South Asia, our aircraft maintenance is not the absolute best. That is why they fall out of the sky.

What we have in the Bangladesh air force is what I call 'hammer' mechanics, uneducated stupid idiots whose only training and claim to fame is maintaining aircraft with none other than large hammers and larger wrenches.

How many mechanics are well-educated ASME-certified engineers like in the West? Zero. Even auto mechanics in the West must be ASME certified and must pass training tests with rigorous training regimes. OF course they get paid very well.

How many educated families will send their kids to be trained as mechanics?

That should be more the focus, not ONLY buying super advanced aircraft. Can't put the cart before the horse.

Maintenance is highly ignored, when it should be a number one prerogative.

BAF has an overhauling plant to overhaul F-7 jet fighters. So, maintenance is not the issue. The technology of this plane is obsolete. No amount of maintenance is enough to keep it fly worthy. China doesn't even produce spares for F-7 anymore. They have shut down the factory.

 

[Saif]

Tarique calls for calm amid national mourning

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday called upon all pro-democracy stakeholders in Bangladesh to maintain calm and cohesion during the ongoing period of national mourning, following the recent plane crash that has plunged the country into grief. “During this mourning period in the n

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Tarique calls for calm amid national mourning

Published :
Jul 22, 2025 23:22
Updated :
Jul 22, 2025 23:22

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday called upon all pro-democracy stakeholders in Bangladesh to maintain calm and cohesion during the ongoing period of national mourning, following the recent plane crash that has plunged the country into grief.

“During this mourning period in the nation, I call upon all pro-democracy stakeholders for calm and cohesion.

We must form a society based on tolerance and restraint, and thus stop divisive confrontation or mob culture,” he said in a post on his verified Facebook page, UNB reports.

The BNP leader said there are worrying reports of members of certain banned student political organisation causing agitation between the public and the police and instigating violence.

“These groups should restrain from taking advantage of a tragic moment in Bangladesh's history for their own gains,” he said.

Tarique emphasised that this is a time for collective empathy and national unity, not political opportunism.

He urged all to focus on supporting the victims and their families, helping identify the missing, and ensuring the injured receive the best possible medical care.

The BNP leader also stressed the need for a thorough and impartial investigation into the cause of the crash.

“As our hearts go out to the innocent lives lost and the families shattered, Bangladesh must remain united and face every crisis with solidarity,” he added.​

 

[Saif]

https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/national/army-starts-probe-into-unpleasant-incidents-during-rescue-operation-after-jet-crash-ispr

Army starts probe into “unpleasant” incidents during rescue operation after jet crash: ISPR

Published :
Jul 22, 2025 22:08
Updated :
Jul 22, 2025 23:48

Bangladesh Army has started an investigation into some “unpleasant” incidents that took place during the rescue operations after a fighter jet of Bangladesh air force crashed at the Milestone School and College in the city’s Uttara area yesterday (Monday).

“Bangladesh Army has started the investigation considering the seriousness of the incident. Necessary administrative action will be taken against those found guilty in the investigation,” said an Inter Service Public Relation (ISPR) press release, BSS reports.

It said the Bangladesh Army is always committed to stand by the people and performing its duties with utmost sincerity and professionalism.

The release said the Bangladesh Army personnel from a nearby camp reached the crash site as soon as possible and started rescue operations immediately after the crash.

“Efforts were made in coordination with the fire service and other organizations to ensure prompt medical assistance to the injured,” it added.

The ISPR said during the rescue operation, a large number of people gathered at the spot that disrupted the evacuation and rescue operations.

Despite repeated requests by the army personnel and volunteers of Milestone School, the crowd was not leaving the place which made the evacuation process difficult resulting to increase the possibility of loss of lives, it added.

“The army conducted the rescue operation with utmost sincerity and professionalism. At least 14 members of Bangladesh army became sick while conducting the rescue operations and got admitted to Combined Military Hospital,” it said.

The ISPR said that when the rescue operations were going on in the afternoon, some enthusiastic people did not leave the place which created a severe obstruction in conducting the rescue operations again.

As a result, the enthusiastic people engaged in an altercation with the on duty army personnel creating an unpleasant incident at one stage, the ISR release added.

A Bangladesh Air Force training fighter jet crashed at Milestone College in the capital's Uttara Diabari area at around 1:18 pm yesterday (July 21) leaving several innocent citizens including children killed in the tragic accident.​

 

[Saif]

Pilot Towkir laid to rest in Rajshahi

Flight Lieutenant Towkir Islam Sagar of the 35 squadron, who died in Monday's plane crash in Dhaka, was laid to eternal rest at Sapura graveyard in Rajshahi on Tuesday afternoon. Earlier, his body was flown from Dhaka to Rajshahi after a funeral parade and namaz-e-janaza in Dhaka. The second namaz

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Pilot Towkir laid to rest in Rajshahi

BSS
Published :
Jul 22, 2025 18:42
Updated :
Jul 22, 2025 18:42

Flight Lieutenant Towkir Islam Sagar of the 35 squadron, who died in Monday's plane crash in Dhaka, was laid to eternal rest at Sapura graveyard in Rajshahi on Tuesday afternoon.

Earlier, his body was flown from Dhaka to Rajshahi after a funeral parade and namaz-e-janaza in Dhaka. The second namaz-e-janaza was held at Rajshahi Stadium, where a large number of people, including service personnel, administrative and police officials, relatives of Towkir, and political leaders were present.

The plane crash, which involved a Bangladesh Air Force F-7 fighter jet, occurred in Milestone School and College at Uttara, Dhaka.

Earlier, a sombre atmosphere engulfed the city of Rajshahi as news of the young pilot's death spread. From early morning, relatives and well-wishers have been gathering at the pilot’s residence to offer condolences.

His family members, including his parents, sister, and other relatives, were flown to Rajshahi by the Air Force.

Towkir’s family resides in the Upashahar area of Rajshahi, specifically in Sector 3, House No, 223, called “Ashroy”.

Towkir reportedly completed his first 100 hours of flight training on PT-6 aircraft during his cadet years. He later served with the 15th Squadron, logging approximately 60 hours of flight time, before joining the 35th Squadron.

Meanwhile, Rajshahi University authorities held a Ghaibana namaz-e-janaza in front of its central mosque in memory of pilot Towkir and the deceased students of Milestone School and College.​

 

[Saif]

Air Force chief advises against ‘falling for rumours’ after F-7 jet crash kills schoolchildren in Dhaka

After a deadly school crash involving an F-7 BGI, Bangladesh Air Force chief has brushed aside safety concerns, calling online speculation “rumours” and defending the jet’s performance record. Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan said the jets in service may be old, but none have

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Air Force chief advises against ‘falling for rumours’ after F-7 jet crash kills schoolchildren in Dhaka

Published :
Jul 22, 2025 23:59
Updated :
Jul 22, 2025 23:59

After a deadly school crash involving an F-7 BGI, Bangladesh Air Force chief has brushed aside safety concerns, calling online speculation “rumours” and defending the jet’s performance record.

Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan said the jets in service may be old, but none have exceeded their operational lifetime, and maintenance is carried out “without compromise”.

“Aircraft don’t age that easily. Each has a defined lifespan, which in the case of these jets is around 30 years,” he said at BAF Base Bashar in Kurmitola, following the funeral parade of Flight Lieutenant Towkir Islam, the pilot killed in the crash, bdnews24.com reports.

“One decade or two doesn’t make much difference -- the key question is whether we’re maintaining them properly. And I want to assure you, we do not compromise on that,” he added.

He said Bangladesh sources full maintenance technology, equipment and parts through formal agreements with the manufacturing country.

“We obtain everything required for upkeep, including the airframe and engine, directly and maintain them accordingly,” he added.

“The process involves no shortcuts.”

While acknowledging that the aircraft are technologically outdated, he argued that they remain airworthy. “Technologically, these jets are old, yes. But that doesn’t make the aircraft themselves unsafe.

“Everyone knows we’re working on acquiring newer-generation fighter jets for the future.

“That doesn’t mean accidents won’t happen with new aircraft either. Crashes are part of aviation. But we are doing everything possible, both at home and abroad, to ensure these jets are properly maintained.”

The F-7 BGI jet came down during a training flight on Monday, crashing into Milestone School and College in Dhaka’s Diabari.

Witnesses said the jet struck the school’s field and then slammed into a two-storey academic building before erupting into flames.

The death toll from the incident has climbed to 28, with 68 others still undergoing treatment in hospital.

Most of the victims are children, many of whom suffered severe burns and remain in critical condition.

The incident has prompted widespread criticism over why training flights are conducted above densely populated areas.

The safety record of the F-7 BGI has also come under renewed scrutiny.​

 

[Saif]

Uttara tragedy overwhelms the nation

Grief and shock benumb this nation with the Saturday's excruciating death of dozens of innocent and unsuspecting students of Milestone School and College's primary section in Uttara. Death descended out of the blue when a training fighter jet of the Bangladesh Air Force rammed into the building for

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Uttara tragedy overwhelms the nation

FE
Published :
Jul 23, 2025 00:14
Updated :
Jul 23, 2025 00:14

Grief and shock benumb this nation with the Saturday's excruciating death of dozens of innocent and unsuspecting students of Milestone School and College's primary section in Uttara. Death descended out of the blue when a training fighter jet of the Bangladesh Air Force rammed into the building for primary students instantly exploding into a massive fireball that turned into an inferno when came in contact with spilled jet fuel. The fire consumed angelic young souls and left many more with burn injuries. This is a monumental tragedy without precedence in this country's history because the victims are mostly underage children. The parents and guardians of both the deceased and injured as well as the survivors of the crash are suffering the ultimate bereavement and trauma. It is inconsolable.

Now the question is, if this jet crash was avoidable or not. Aviation experts and veteran pilots are of the opinion that flights of training fighter jets in a mega city zone are a potential invitation for air crashes. Use of the same runway by commercial planes and fighter jets is undesirable too. With speed about three times that of the commercial planes which fly at speeds between 805-965 km/h, the supersonic machines also take off and land at higher speeds. Particularly, trainee pilots should not be allowed to use the runway of any busy airport. It is time such training exercises are operated from other airports less busy and away from densely-populated urban centres.

Reportedly, training fighter jets like the one involved in the crash were bought from China are too aged to be used in other countries. In fact, a number of similar crashes have taken place involving these aging planes over the past years in which the pilots in most cases died, while in one case the pilot went missing never to be found as the jet crashed in the sea. The latest one has proved the deadliest of all, claiming not only the life of the pilot but also lives of many unsuspecting victims. One would like to believe that the Monday's crash would at least force those concerned to replace the remaining fighter jets of this gone-by generation with new ones. That is necessary not only for the sake of saving the lives of the pilots, but also to avoid collateral deaths like the ones that happened on last Monday.

Apart from such deaths, the threat posed to the lives of a pilot should be eliminated by any cost. A fleet of such old generation jets is unlikely to guard the country's airspace against any violation by enemy aircraft. Also saving the lives of pilots trained at the cost of millions of taka from the exchequer cannot be overlooked.

So, there is a need for taking a long view not only of the aircraft used for the country's air force but also of the commercial planes. Right now Bangladesh is reportedly negotiating a deal for purchasing passenger aircraft from a much maligned company as part of reciprocal tariff bargain. This is unacceptable. Both the civil aviation and the air force must develop their fleets with advanced and well-maintained aircraft. The old ones should rigorously be checked either for use or putting them out of commission.

Meanwhile, let the nation remember and pray for those precious souls whom their near and dear ones have lost forever.​

 

[Saif]

We suspect more than 100 died: Jamaat ameer

Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh ameer Shafiqur Rahman has suspected that over 100 people were killed in the aircraft crash at Milestone School and College in the capital’s Uttara on Monday. He said this in a brief rally held at the Mominpur High School ground in Rangpur Tuesday afternoon.

en.prothomalo.com

We suspect more than 100 died: Jamaat ameer
Correspondent & Staff Correspondent Rangpur
Published: 22 Jul 2025, 22: 22

Jamaat-e-Islami ameer Shafiqur Rahman delivered a speech at the Mominpur School ground after visiting the grave of Shah Alam Mia who died during the party’s grand rally in Dhaka on 19 July. Moinul Islam

Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh ameer Shafiqur Rahman has suspected that over 100 people were killed in the aircraft crash at Milestone School and College in the capital’s Uttara on Monday.

He said this in a brief rally held at the Mominpur High School ground in Rangpur Tuesday afternoon.

Jamaat-e-Islami ameer delivered a speech at the Mominpur School ground after visiting the grave of Shah Alam Mia, a member of Rangpur city Jamaat who died during the party’s grand rally in Dhaka on 19 July, and a meeting with his family.

He said, “Yesterday, a military training aircraft crashed in Uttara killing the pilot. We believe over a hundred people have died. Who were they? They were young children, school kids, taken away from their mothers' embrace. We express our sympathy to these families.”

Shafiqur Rahman said, “We want a Bangladesh where we ourselves will not extort money, nor will we allow anyone else to do so. In this Bangladesh, none of our people will accept bribes, and anyone who reaches out for one will have their hand paralysed. This is the Bangladesh we want.”

He added, “If we get the opportunity to form a government, those who become ministers in the future will not take any government plots, nor will they use tax-free vehicles.”

Earlier, the Jamaat ameer attended a prayer ceremony in Ishwardi, Pabna, for a party activist who had fallen ill and died during the rally in Dhaka.

The Jamaat ameer said, “The official death toll from the aircraft crash so far is 27. But I don’t believe that. I have reason to think and I believe that the actual number is higher. Perhaps one day we will know, Inshallah. These children have left the laps of their mothers and fathers and will never return to them. They now rest in the grave. We pray that Allah grants them a place in Jannath, brings peace to the hearts of their parents, gives them the strength to bear this grief, and grants recovery to those who are still alive.”

Shafiqur Rahman said, “As an organisation, we have stood by them since yesterday. Our volunteers are present. Within our limited means, we have tried to ensure that whatever is needed, whether it’s money, blood or labour, our members are ready to provide it, In Sha Allah.”​

 

[Saif]

Fake photos circulating on social media over Milestone aircraft crash

“A training aircraft has crashed severely on the field of Milestone College in Uttara, Dhaka. May Allah protect everyone (Ameen),” wrote a user named Salman Mahbub in a Facebook post on Monday, sharing two images. In the comments, another user asked whether the photos were actually from the...

en.prothomalo.com

Fake photos circulating on social media over Milestone aircraft crash
Staff Correspondent Dhaka
Published: 22 Jul 2025, 21: 34

The images posted on Facebook claiming to show the plane crash in Uttara are actually AI-generated Photo: Rumor Scanner's Facebook page

“A training aircraft has crashed severely on the field of Milestone College in Uttara, Dhaka. May Allah protect everyone (Ameen),” wrote a user named Salman Mahbub in a Facebook post on Monday, sharing two images.

In the comments, another user asked whether the photos were actually from the scene. In response, Mahbub claimed that the images were from Milestone College.

However, upon verification, it was found that the images were not real. Fact-checking organisation Dismislab confirmed that the photos were generated using artificial intelligence (AI).

Yesterday, a fighter jet of the Air Force crashed into a building of Milestone School and College. Soon after the incident, a series of fake images began circulating on social media.

A Facebook page named Durbin News posted about the incident, attaching a photo of a white aircraft engulfed in flames. However, fact-checking organisation Rumor Scanner later verified that this image was also fake.

Fact-checking group Dismislab identified a total of six AI-generated images that spread on Facebook shortly after the crash. According to the organisation, these images contained visual inconsistencies that raised suspicion. In one image, the crashed aircraft is seen standing intact on the field; in another, it appears that two planes have crashed—none of which reflect the actual event.

Dismislab noted that one of the images contained a spelling error in the words "school and college"—a common issue found in AI-generated images. Additionally, most of the images showed unrealistic fire placement and aircraft structures that did not align with reality. These verified images strongly suggest they were generated by AI.

The visible inconsistencies in the images indicate that they were likely created with the intent to mislead and spread misinformation.

After the plane crash in Uttara, these AI-generated images began circulating on Facebook Photo: Facebook page of Dismislab

Rumor Scanner has identified five AI-generated images circulating on Facebook related to the incident. Their investigation found that these images are not of the fighter jet that crashed in Uttara. Observations revealed several structural differences between the aircraft shown in the images and the actual crashed jet.

Rumor Scanner also discovered that one of the AI-generated images was shared from the Facebook page of a national daily newspaper. However, the image was later removed.

Out of the 11 images identified by Dismislab and Rumor Scanner, three were duplicates, while the remaining eight were different. These images began spreading on Facebook shortly after the plane crash in Uttara on Monday afternoon. Without verifying their authenticity, several online news portals shared them, leading many regular users to be misled and further circulate the false images.

A visit to the pages analyzed by Dismislab and Rumor Scanner on Tuesday morning showed that many of the AI-generated images had been taken down. However, these images still remain on accounts of regular users who had shared them.

Experts say that the spread of such fake images is often driven by motives like clickbait and increasing follower counts.

BM Mainul Hossain, Director of the Institute of Information Technology at the University of Dhaka, commented that such fake images, shared during incidents like this, mislead the general public. He noted that in the aftermath of accidents, fake visuals can lead to rumours and panic, potentially causing large-scale social unrest.

Hossain emphasised the need for both government and private initiatives to focus on fact-checking to counter fake images and videos. He added that organisations should establish systems to verify information so people can access accurate data. Additionally, he suggested that general users should rely on multiple sources for verification instead of depending on just one.​