The Bangladesh Air Force has no current plans to relocate its fighter jet base from the capital, Dhaka, as it plays a critical role in maintaining air defense and national security.
Air Commodore Shahidul Islam made the statement at a press conference held on Monday (July 31) at the old PSC building of the Aviation University in Tejgaon.
In response to questions from journalists about whether the fighter training base would be moved out of Dhaka, Shahidul Islam explained, “Operating fighter jets requires vast areas, and maintaining air defense for the capital makes this base extremely important. Many countries also maintain such bases in or near their capitals.”
Air Commodore Md. Mizanur Rahman, coordinator of the Air Force Emergency Center, delivered the written statement at the briefing.
“The Air Force will continue to support the families of those killed and injured in the tragic incident. Maximum assistance will be provided as needed,” he said.
Expressing profound grief over the accident, he added, “We are speechless and deeply saddened. We extend our sincere thanks to all law enforcement agencies involved in the rescue operation.”
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.
Also present at the press conference was Jahangir Alam, principal of Milestone School and College.
He said that on the day of the incident, 538 of the school’s 738 students were present. Addressing concerns about metal grills on the building’s ground floor, he explained, “The area was previously low-lying and was later raised by filling it with sand. The grills were installed earlier for the safety of children.”
He added that the reopening date of the school has not yet been determined, but efforts are underway to resume classes as soon as possible.
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 34 confirmed fatalities—most of them children.
Thirty-four others remain hospitalized, including 22 at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, 11 at CMH, and one at the National Institute of Mental Health.
