A devastating incident involving a Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) F-7 BGI fighter jet has reignited serious questions about the safety and reliability of China’s decades-old military aircraft designs. The fighter, based on the Soviet-era MiG-21, crashed into a school building in Uttara, Dhaka, leaving at least 20 people dead, including the pilot and several students, and injuring over 170 others.
Tragedy at Milestone School: What Happened?
The incident occurred during a routine training flight that took off from BAF Base Bir Uttom A.K. Khandker. Not long after takeoff, the jet developed a critical mechanical fault and plunged into the campus of Milestone School and College. The crash triggered chaos, flames, and widespread panic among students and residents.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing civilians rush to rescue the injured, using local transport like rickshaws to move victims to nearby hospitals. Flight Lieutenant Towkir Islam Sagar, the pilot, reportedly attempted to avoid a densely populated area before the jet went down, sacrificing his life in the process.
National Mourning and Immediate Reactions
The Bangladesh government declared July 22 a national day of mourning. Interim Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus expressed deep sorrow, calling the incident a “national loss.” Leaders from across South Asia, including Indian PM Narendra Modi, extended condolences and offered assistance.
China’s F-7 BGI: An Ageing Legacy with Modern Upgrades
The F-7 BGI is one of the latest iterations of China’s Chengdu J-7 series, a licensed variant of the Soviet MiG-21, originally developed in the 1950s. Despite enhancements—such as a digital cockpit, HOTAS (hands-on throttle-and-stick) controls, and improved radar systems—the aircraft’s basic airframe design remains outdated.
Bangladesh procured 16 F-7 BGI jets between 2011 and 2013, aiming to enhance its air defense capability at a relatively low cost. However, critics argue that the design is not well-suited for modern air combat or training missions in populated regions.
Mounting Safety Concerns: Not an Isolated Incident
This is not the first crash involving an F-7 in Bangladesh. Over the past few years, several F-7 accidents have raised alarms about the aircraft’s operational safety. Experts point to ageing components, technical limitations, and subpar spare parts supplied with some Chinese-origin defense systems.
In fact, in 2024, the Bangladesh military reportedly raised issues with the quality of Chinese spare parts, citing faulty equipment and unclear maintenance manuals as significant challenges.
Government Response and Investigation Launched
In the wake of the crash, the Bangladesh Air Force has launched a high-level inquiry to determine whether the cause was a technical malfunction, pilot error, or maintenance failure. Authorities have pledged full transparency and have hinted that findings may lead to policy-level decisions on fleet modernization.
Calls for Urgent Fleet Upgrades
The tragedy has intensified public and political demand for overhauling the country’s air fleet. Defense analysts argue that relying on upgraded versions of vintage platforms like the F-7 is no longer viable—particularly when training missions are flown over populated urban areas.
Bangladesh may now expedite plans to replace ageing fighters with more advanced and safer aircraft, possibly from Western or newer-generation Asian manufacturers.
Broader Implications for China’s Defense Exports
This incident has once again spotlighted China’s global defense exports, especially to developing countries. While Chinese aircraft are known for being affordable, this crash could raise fresh concerns over their safety standards and long-term sustainability. Other countries using similar platforms may also re-evaluate their defense procurement decisions in light of the incident.
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Air Safety
The Dhaka F-7 BGI crash has underlined the risks of continuing to operate legacy fighter jets—even with upgrades. The tragic loss of lives, especially schoolchildren, has deeply shaken the nation and prompted a critical reassessment of the Bangladesh Air Force’s existing aircraft inventory.
As the investigation unfolds, this event may mark a turning point in how countries like Bangladesh approach air force modernization—shifting away from outdated systems toward safer, more reliable alternatives.
More Stories
Despite Millions Spent, Delhi’s Cloud-Seeding Trial Yields No Rain
Raped, Silenced, and Pushed to the Edge: Young Doctor’s Final Note Names MP and Police Officials
Voter List Fraud: ₹80 Offered for Each Fake Deletion Request in Aland, Karnataka SIT Reveals