Following the tragic fighter jet crash in Dhaka, India has offered medical assistance to Bangladesh, including the deployment of doctors, nurses, and medical equipment. The crash, which occurred in the Diabari area of Dhaka, involved a Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) training aircraft that crashed into the campus of Milestone School and College in Uttara.
The incident has resulted in a rising death toll, with initial reports indicating at least 20 fatalities, and more than 160 injuries. Many of the injured were students attending afternoon classes at the school. The aircraft involved was identified as a Chinese-made F-7 BGI fighter jet that was on a routine training mission. According to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), the fighter jet suffered a "technical malfunction" midair. The pilot, Flight Lieutenant Towkir Islam Sagar, who was on his first solo fighter flight, was taken to the hospital but later declared dead.
In the wake of the crash, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and offered support to Bangladesh. "Deeply shocked and saddened at the loss of lives, many of them young students, in a tragic air crash in Dhaka," Modi stated. "Our hearts go out to the bereaved families. India stands in solidarity with Bangladesh and is ready to extend all possible support and assistance". The Indian High Commission in Dhaka has formally communicated with the Government of Bangladesh, requesting information on any critical medical support that may be needed for those injured.
Bangladesh's interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, has pledged a full investigation into the crash, describing it as a "heartbreaking accident". A national day of mourning was declared in Bangladesh, with flags flying at half-mast across the country.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) also conveyed their condolences, posting on X, "The Bangladesh Cricket Board expresses profound sorrow over the tragic air crash at Milestone School & College in Dhaka. We stand in solidarity with the grieving families and all those affected. Our heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to everyone impacted by this heartbreaking tragedy".
The incident has raised concerns about flight safety, the age of aircraft, and increasing urbanization around military installations. Recent BAF crashes include a May 9, 2024, incident where a Russian Yak-130 crashed in Patenga, Chattogram, and a November 23, 2018, crash involving a Chinese F-7BG in Madhupur, Tangail.
