World
- By Shamim
- Comments
- 22 Jul 2025
Bangladesh Plane Crashes: History, Causes, and a Call for Safer Skies
In Bangladesh, aviation is an essential part of both civil and military operations. However, the country’s air safety record has long been a subject of concern. From outdated fighter jets to poorly maintained aircraft, Bangladesh’s aviation sector has faced repeated tragedies.
The latest horror unfolded in July 2025, when a Bangladesh Air Force F-7 jet crashed into a school in Dhaka, killing dozens of children. The incident has revived painful memories of past accidents and intensified public demand for better aviation safety.
đ A Brief History of Bangladesh’s Aviation Accidents
- August 5, 1984 – Biman Fokker F27 Crash: A Biman Bangladesh Airlines Fokker F27 crashed near Dhaka, killing all 49 on board. Source
- March 12, 2018 – US-Bangla Airlines Flight 211: 51 people died when a Dash-8 Q400 crashed in Kathmandu. Source
- March 2015 – BAF Cargo Plane Crash: An Antonov cargo plane crashed near Cox’s Bazar, killing 3 personnel. Source
đ„ The 2025 Milestone School Jet Crash
On July 21, 2025, an F-7 BGI fighter jet crashed into Milestone School and College in Dhaka’s Uttara area, killing 31 people (mostly children) and injuring over 170.
The pilot, Flight Lt. Towkir Islam, tried to divert the aircraft but failed to avoid impact. The incident sparked national mourning and protests across the country.
Sources: The Guardian, AP News, Reuters
đ Root Causes Behind Repeated Crashes
- Aging Fleet: The F-7 series and other outdated aircraft remain in service despite decades of wear. Source
- Maintenance Issues: Poor inspection and delayed repairs often result in in-flight mechanical failure.
- Inadequate Pilot Training: Most accidents occur during training flights due to insufficient simulation and emergency drills.
- Flights Over Populated Areas: Military jets are still allowed to fly over urban schools and residential neighborhoods.
- Lack of Transparency: Investigation reports are rarely released, leaving citizens uninformed.
đ The Psychological and Social Impact
The trauma from these crashes extends far beyond physical injury. The death of innocent children in the 2025 crash has left an entire generation of parents and students living in fear. Many survivors and their families continue to suffer from long-term psychological damage and financial ruin.
đ Statistics at a Glance
- 50+ major crashes in the past 40 years
- 70% of military crashes happened during training
- F-7 jets responsible for the majority of military aviation deaths
- Less than 2% of crash investigations lead to reforms
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What Needs to Be Done
- Retire all outdated aircraft and replace with modern, safer jets
- Modernize pilot training programs with simulation drills
- Immediately ban low-altitude training over populated areas
- Publicly publish crash investigation findings
- Provide long-term compensation and psychological support for victims
- Partner with international aviation bodies for audits and guidance
đ Global Reactions
The international community expressed shock at the school crash. Aviation safety organizations, including ICAO, have offered to assist Bangladesh in evaluating air safety measures and modernizing training programs.
đ Conclusion
Bangladesh's aviation sector is at a crossroads. Either bold reforms will be implemented, or more innocent lives will be lost. The 2025 school crash must serve as a wake-up call—not just for the government, but for all stakeholders involved in aviation. A secure future demands immediate action.
đ Cited Sources
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