Bangladesh Plane Crash: Public Anger Rises Over Continued Dependence on Chinese Aircraft

International News: A tragic aircraft crash in the Uttara area of Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, has left the entire country in deep mourning and anger. The aircraft, a Chinese-made military trainer, crashed into a school building, killing 35 people, many of them children.

Nationwide Criticism Over Chinese Defense Purchases

Following the incident, there has been growing criticism of the Bangladeshi government’s continued reliance on Chinese defense equipment. Military experts and former Air Force officers have labeled this policy as a serious strategic mistake that is risking lives and national security.

How the Incident Happened

On July 21 at 1:06 PM, an F-7 BGI aircraft belonging to the Bangladesh Air Force took off for a routine training flight. Within minutes, the aircraft crashed into the Milestone School and College building in Uttara.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the crash occurred around 1:30 PM, and several people were trapped under the debris. Emergency teams arrived quickly, but by the time rescue efforts were complete, the death toll had reached 35.

Concerns Over Aircraft Safety

This accident has raised serious concerns about the safety and reliability of the old Chinese aircraft still in use by the Bangladesh Air Force.
As per reports, Bangladesh operates around 40 F-7 BGI aircraft, all of which were purchased from China.

A retired Air Force officer, who did not wish to be named, stated that many past crashes and malfunctions have been linked to these aircraft, yet the government continues to rely on them without significant upgrades or alternatives.

New Fighter Jet Deal Raises Eyebrows

Shockingly, even after the crash, the interim Bangladeshi government has gone ahead with plans to buy 16 JF-10C fighter jets from China. Many international defense analysts have criticized this move as reckless and short-sighted, suggesting that the authorities are failing to learn from past mistakes.

People Voice Anger Online

The general public, including teachers, students, and parents, has expressed strong anger on social media platforms. Citizens are demanding that the government rethink its dependence on cheap but unsafe Chinese-made defense equipment and prioritize safety.

A Wake-Up Call for Policy Reform

This crash is not just a result of a technical failure but also highlights deeper issues in the government’s defense procurement strategy.
Unless there is a shift toward transparency, quality control, and accountability, similar tragedies may continue to happen.