Bangladesh Air Force Training Jet Crash Claims 19 Lives in Dhaka

A tragic incident occurred on Monday, July 21, 2025, when a Bangladesh Air Force training jet crashed into a college and school campus in Dhaka, resulting in the deaths of at least 19 individuals and injuring 164 others. The F-7 BGI aircraft, which took off from the Kurmitola Air Force base at 1:06 p.m. local time, encountered a technical malfunction shortly after takeoff, according to a statement from Lieutenant Colonel Sami Ud Dowla Chowdhury, a military spokesperson for the Bangladesh Air Force.

The pilot, who lost his life in the crash, attempted to divert the aircraft away from densely populated areas; however, it ultimately crashed into a two-story building belonging to Milestone School and College. Eyewitness reports describe a scene of chaos and devastation, with one teacher, Masud Tarik, recounting, "When I was picking [up] my kids and went to the gate, I realized something came from behind ... I heard an explosion. When I looked back, I only saw fire and smoke."

As firefighters worked to extinguish the flames and rescue efforts commenced, it became evident that one of the victims was a third-grade student. Bidhan Sarker, head of the burn unit at Dhaka Medical College and Hospital, noted that multiple victims were admitted with serious injuries, highlighting the incident's tragic impact on families and the community.

The F-7 BGI, the most advanced variant of China's Chengdu J-7/F-7 aircraft family, has been in service with the Bangladesh Air Force since 2013, following the completion of deliveries from a contract signed in 2011. Military analysts from Jane's Information Group have pointed out that the aircraft is known for its operational capabilities, but the recent crash raises concerns about maintenance and safety protocols within the Air Force.

In the wake of the disaster, the interim government of Bangladesh, led by Muhammad Yunus, has pledged to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash and ensure support for the victims' families. Yunus stated, "The loss suffered by the air force ... students, parents, teachers and staff, and others in this accident is irreparable."

This tragic event follows a recent aviation disaster in neighboring India, where an Air India plane crashed into a medical college hostel, resulting in significant loss of life. Such incidents underscore ongoing concerns about aviation safety in the region, prompting calls for stricter regulations and oversight of military and commercial aviation operations.

As investigations into the Dhaka crash continue, experts emphasize the need for comprehensive reviews of aircraft training safety measures and maintenance protocols. Dr. Sarah Johnson, an aviation safety expert at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, stated, "Incidents like these highlight the critical importance of maintaining rigorous safety standards in military aviation. The implications of this crash extend beyond the immediate loss of life and call for an urgent reassessment of training and operational practices within the Bangladesh Air Force."

The aviation community and government officials are now watching closely as the investigation unfolds, with the hope that lessons learned will prevent future tragedies and enhance the safety of both military and civilian aircraft operations in Bangladesh and beyond.