Pilot Towkir Made Final Effort to Prevent Major Losses: ISPR

At least 19 lives have been confirmed lost in the crash of a Bangladesh Air Force FT-7 BGI fighter aircraft during a training session. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR), the aircraft’s pilot, Flight Lieutenant Md Towkir Islam, made a valiant and final effort to divert the stricken jet away from a densely populated area to minimise casualties and damage.

Incident Overview

ISPR Official Statement

In its official statement, the ISPR reported that the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) jet, which had taken off from Kurmitola’s BAF Base A K Khandakar as part of routine training, encountered a technical malfunction shortly after take-off. The exact nature of the malfunction is still under investigation and will be disclosed upon completion of a formal probe.

Despite the mechanical failure, the pilot, Flight Lieutenant Md Towkir Islam, tried his utmost to steer the aircraft towards a sparsely populated zone to prevent a major tragedy. Unfortunately, the aircraft crashed into a two-storey building on the campus of Milestone School and College in Diabari, leading to a catastrophic loss of life and injuries.

Emergency Response and Medical Evacuation

Rescue efforts began immediately, with BAF helicopters and ambulances mobilised to rapidly transport the injured to Combined Military Hospital (CMH) and other nearby facilities. The Bangladesh Air Force expressed deep sorrow over the incident and reaffirmed its commitment to providing full medical and logistical support to those affected.

Presence of Senior Officials

Several high-ranking military and government officials visited the crash site, including:

• The Chief of Army Staff
• The Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division
• Senior officials from BAF, Army, and civil administration

As the Chief of Air Staff is currently on an official overseas tour, his duties at the scene have been assumed by the Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Administration), along with senior BAF officers and the main rescue unit.

Ongoing Investigation

A high-level inquiry committee has already been formed by the Bangladesh Air Force to determine the exact cause of the crash. The findings are expected to play a critical role in improving flight safety and preventing future tragedies of this nature.

This heartbreaking event has cast a shadow across the nation, and the selfless efforts of Flight Lieutenant Towkir are being acknowledged for potentially saving countless lives. The entire military and civil rescue apparatus remains engaged, striving to recover from one of the most severe peacetime aviation tragedies in the country’s recent history.