Pilot Toukir Tried to Avoid Civilian Area Until His Last Breath: ISPR

A Bangladesh Air Force FT-7 BGI fighter jet crashed today (Monday) during a training flight, resulting in the confirmed deaths of at least 19 people and injuries to 164 others. According to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Flight Lieutenant Md. Toukir Islam made every effort to steer the aircraft away from densely populated areas until the very end.

The statement said that the aircraft took off from Bangladesh Air Force Base AK Khandaker, located in Kurmitola, but encountered a mechanical failure shortly after takeoff. Despite the pilot's best efforts to prevent major damage, the aircraft ultimately crashed into a two-story building of Milestone School and College in Dhaka’s Diabari area.

The crash resulted in the deaths of the pilot and 18 others, while the injured were quickly transported to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) and other nearby facilities. The Air Force deployed helicopters and ambulances to assist with rapid evacuation and treatment of the injured.

ISPR expressed deep sorrow over the tragic accident, stating that the Bangladesh Air Force is profoundly saddened and is doing everything possible to ensure full medical support and assistance to the victims. Since the Chief of Air Staff is currently on an official trip abroad, the Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Administration), along with other senior officials and rescue teams, are present at the crash site.

The Chief of Army Staff, Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division, and other top military and government officials are overseeing the situation. Personnel from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, RAB, and Fire Service are engaged in intensive rescue operations to bring the situation under control.

ISPR also confirmed that a high-level investigation committee has been formed by the Air Force to determine the cause of the accident. Details will be shared upon completion of the inquiry.