United News of Bangladesh

The chiefs of Army, Navy and Air on Tuesday night (December 02, 2025) visited ailing BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. According to Inter Services Public Relation (ISPR), chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman, chief of Naval Admiral M Nazmul Hassan, chief of Air Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan visited the former prime minister. Read more: Tarique Rahman’s return a personal, family decision: Khosru Several political leaders and others are visiting Khaleda Zia who has been undergoing treatment at the hospital since November 23. Meanwhile, two specialist medical teams from the UK and China are scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on Wednesday morning (December 03, 2025) to support the medical board formed to ensure treatment of the BNP chairperson. Read more: Concern for Khaleda Zia goes far beyond BNP, says Rizvi

A probe body, formed after the July jet crash, on Wednesday recommended that all initial trainings of the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) will be conducted outside Dhaka city considering the public safety. "We have capacity to do (initial training) that," Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told reporters at the Foreign Service Academy in the city. Quoting the investigation report, Alam said things went beyond the pilot when he was flying as there were faults during the time of take-off. "The key reason for the accident was the pilot's error during take-off. While flying during training, the situation went beyond his control. That is the conclusion (of the report),” he said. There were 31 recommendations and 10 recommendations came up prominently for discussions. Principal Staff Officer (PSO) of the Armed Forces Division (AFD) Lieutenant General S M Kamrul Hassan handed over the report to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus with a set of recommendations. The Press Secretary said the probe body spoke to 150 people, including experts and victims and through these conversations; they gathered 168 pieces of information and made 33 recommendations. He said the school was not built with Rajuk's approved building code (Bangladesh National Building Code). The Press Secretary said the building was supposed to have minimum three stairs, but it had only one in the middle. The expert committee said that if there had been three staircases, the number of casualties would have been lower, he added, quoting the report. The July 21 jet crash at Milestone School and College in the capital's Uttara claimed 34 lives, including 28 students and three teachers, and injured over a hundred. Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahmmad and Assistant Press Secretary Suchismita Tithi were also present.

The death toll from the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) aircraft crash rose to 31 on Tuesday, according to the Inter Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR). In a press release issued on Tuesday noon, ISPR shared the hospital-wise list of casualties. According to the press release: ·         Kuwait Maitree Hospital: 8 injured, no deaths ·         National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery: 46injured, 10 dead ·         Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Dhaka:, 16 dead, 28 injured ·         Kurmitola General Hospital: 2 dead, one injured ·         Lubana General Hospital and Cardiac Centre, Uttara:, 2 dead, 13 injured ·         Uttara Adhunik Hospital: 1 dead, 60 injured ·         Uttara Crescent Hospital: 1 injured, no deaths ·         Dhaka Medical College and Hospital: 3 injured, one dead ·         Shaheed Mansur Ali Medical College: One injured, no deaths ·         United Hospital: two injured, one dead Uttara plane crash: cultural figures express shock, grief over Milestone School tragedy Earlier, CA’s Special Assistant Dr Sayedur Rahman at a briefing on Tuesday morning at the Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, said the deceased included 25 children, one pilot and one teacher and 78 people are undergoing treatment at four hospitals. Dr Sayedur said that eight more victims died at the Burn Institute on Monday night. There are 28 people admitted to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) and 42 others at the Burn Institute. There were bodies of 15 people at the CMH, he said.

A training aircraft of the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) crashed in Dhaka’s Uttara area on Monday afternoon, leaving at least 19 people dead and an unspecified number of people including students injured. At a press briefing at the scene, Director General of the Fire Service and Civil Defence Brigadier General Md Jahed Kamal said 19 people gave died so far and the rescue operation is underway,” he said. Lima Khanam, a duty officer at the Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD) control room, said the crash was reported at Milestone School and College around 1:18 pm. Firefighters were dispatched to the scene immediately, she said. Dr Abhijit, director of the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, said at least 50 injured people were brought to the hospital and the number is rising. BAF Aircraft Crash: Emergency service centre opened at Burn Institute An energy service unit has been opened to provide treatment to the aircraft crash victims, he said. Witnesses reported that the aircraft burst into flames upon impact, leaving an unspecified number of people injured. Several of the injured were rescued and taken to the Burn Institute in Dhaka, while others were airlifted due to the severity of their injuries.  A number of injured students were also admitted to Uttara Adhunik Medical College Hospital (BMSRI). The fate of the pilot, Flight Lieutenant Toukir Islam Sagar, remains unclear as of filing this report. Talha Bin Zashim, media cell station officer at FSCD headquarters, said eight firefighting units from Uttara, Tongi, Pallabi, Kurmitola, Mirpur, and Purbachal were working to control the blaze and assist in the rescue effort. A BAF rescue team also reached the site and joined the operation, UNB’s correspondent reports. Several ambulances arrived at the location to transport the injured, while local residents and Milestone College students were seen helping emergency responders. Bangladesh declares one-day state mourning Tuesday for aircraft crash victims To assist with rescue efforts and maintain order, two platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) were deployed, said Shariful Islam, public relations officer at the BGB headquarters. A large crowd gathered at the crash site, which has caused disruptions to rescue operations.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammed Yunus on Monday expressed deep shock and sorrow over the tragic crash of a Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) F-7 BGI training aircraft on Milestone School and College compound in the capital’s Diabari area. In a condolence message following the crash, the Chief Adviser said, “I express my deep shock and sorrow over the tragic accident of the Bangladesh Air Force's F-7 BGI training aircraft that crashed today on the Milestone School and College campus, which has caused casualties and injuries.” He described the incident as an irreparable loss, not only for the Bangladesh Air Force but also for the students, parents, teachers, staff and the wider community connected to the educational institution. “This is a moment of deep grief for the entire nation,” he said. The Chief Adviser wished the injured a quick recovery and directed all concerned authorities, including hospitals, to deal with the situation with the highest level of care, urgency, and seriousness. Prof Yunus doesn’t intend to be declared as "national reformer": Govt He also assured that the government will take necessary steps to find out the cause of the accident and provide all kinds of support. According to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) Directorate, the BAF aircraft crashed net the Milestone School and College campus around 1:18 pm. The Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD) said eight units from Uttara, Tongi, Pallabi, Kurmitola, Mirpur, and Purbachal were sent to control the fire and help with the rescue work. Several injured people were taken to the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, while others, including students, were admitted to Uttara Adhunik Medical College Hospital. Some were airlifted due to the seriousness of their injuries.

Panic gripped the Diabari area of Uttara on Monday afternoon after a Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) training aircraft crashed at Milestone School and College, leaving parents in anguish as they waited for information on their children’s safety. With smoke rising from the wreckage, dozens of family members gathered outside the school gates, some praying, some crying and many pleading with law enforcers for help as emergency responders worked to secure the scene, reports UNB correspondents from the spot. "I'm not in a situation to speak…my son who is a class-six student…he is still inside the compound. I don't know what his situation now is!" a crying mother told UNB. BAF training aircraft crashes in Uttara; one dead, students among injured The BAF training aircraft crashed at the Milestone School and College on Monday afternoon, sparking a massive fire and injuring several people, according to the Inter Services Public Relation Directorate (ISPR). Lima Khanam, a duty officer at the Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD) control room, said the crash was reported around 1:18 pm and so far one death has been confirmed. Firefighters were dispatched to the scene immediately.

The inauguration ceremony of the newly installed GM 403M Air Defense Radar at Bogura Radar Unit of Bangladesh Air Force was held on Wednesday. Chief of Air Staff of Bangladesh Air Force Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan graced the event as the chief guest and officially inaugurated the air defense radar, according to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). As part of the ongoing modernisation and development of Bangladesh Air Force, new infrastructures and advanced equipment are continuously integrated. Army remains uncompromising on national sovereignty: Brig Gen Nazim In continuation of this effort, the newly installed air defense radar has now been formally included in the operational assets of Air Force. ‘Free shall we keep the sky of Bangladesh’ — with this solemn pledge, Bangladesh Air Force has taken another significant step forward. This radar will play a vital role in enhancing the air defense capabilities of Bangladesh Air Force. Additionally, the incorporation of this advanced radar system is expected to significantly improve the technological capability of the force. On this inauguration occasion senior military officers and other members were present.

Noting that war is always an expensive affair, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday laid emphasis on designing Bangladesh’s overall strategy, keeping hands always extended towards peace with required preparation in place. “In this situation, we have to design our overall strategy. We must always extend our hand towards peace. But we must also be prepared,” he said, adding that the economy is in a weak state and Bangladesh has not yet been able to develop into a country with a strong economy. Due to the waywardness of the previous government, the Chief Adviser said whatever was there has also been looted. The Chief Adviser was addressing the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) personnel after observing the exercise at the BAF Base Bir Uttam AK Khandker. Prof Yunus said he is also a person against any war in the world but they live in a world where war threat surrounds them always. “Like many, I am also a person against war. We do not wish to see war in the world. War preparations often lead to war. Therefore, there is a serious objection to war preparations,” he said. The Chief Adviser, however, said they live in such a world where the threat of war is constantly surrounding them. “It becomes impossible to remain unprepared (in such a situation).” Referring to media reports, Prof Yunus also talked about the current situation between India and Pakistan. Highlighting the situation in the world, the Chief Adviser said not getting preparing is suicidal. “And if you have to prepare, there is no room for half-preparedness. This is such a situation, victory is the only option. Defeat cannot be an option here. So, we must try to take our preparations to the highest level.” Impressed by the Air Force exercise, Prof Yunus said they see these in movies. “We don't get much opportunity to see these in reality. Today, I saw these in reality because of you.” Watching the exercise, the Chief Adviser said this increases their courage. “Not only the courage to fight, but our children can prepare so well and help face difficult problems.” Akash Bijoy-2025 Like previous years, Bangladesh Air Force’s annual exercise ‘Akash Bijoy-2025’ commenced on April 23. Prof Yunus seeks Dhaka-Baku direct flight to boost economic ties with Azerbaijan As part of this exercise, several important segments were incorporated into a Final Integrated Exercise (LIVEX), which was successfully showcased on Wednesday at Bangladesh Air Force Base Bir Uttam A K Khandker, Kurmitola, Dhaka Cantonment, according to ISPR. The Chief Adviser graced the event as the chief guest and observed the exercise. Following the event, he participated in an interactive session with the members of Bangladesh Air Force. Chief of Air Staff of Bangladesh Air Force Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan expressed his deep gratitude to the Chief Adviser for his presence, which significantly boosted the morale and inspired the members of the force. As a token of thankfulness, a crest was presented to the Chief Adviser on behalf of Bangladesh Air Force. The government advisers, the Chiefs of Army and Navy, civil and military high officials and other distinguished guests attended the event. ‘AKASH BIJOY-2025’ serves as a significant demonstration of Bangladesh Air Force’s operational readiness, high proficiency, and inter-service jointness. Under the directives of Air Headquarters, all bases and units of Bangladesh Air Force are actively participating in the exercise deploying various types of fighters aircraft, transport aircraft, helicopters, UAVs, radars, and other air defense elements along with associated units. To enhance the effectiveness of the exercise in a realistic manner, Bangladesh Air Force resources were divided into two groups, simulating distinct operational scenarios. This approach enables the Air Force to thoroughly evaluate its efficiency, combat readiness, operational capabilities and to identify the obstacles and challenges in detail. Additionally, selected representatives from Bangladesh Army, Bangladesh Navy, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Bangladesh Police, Fire Service and Civil Defence, and Bangladesh National Cadet Corps (BNCC) have also participated in the exercise. Their involvement underscores the strong emphasis on jointness modern warfare and inter-agency cooperation in modern warfare. Bangladesh Air Force remains ever-ready, highly committed, and dedicated to safeguarding the nation’s total airspace, and sovereignty, said the ISPR. Exercise ‘AKASH BIJOY-2025’ upholds this spirit and reflects the unwavering professionalism and dedication of all members of Bangladesh Air Force, it said.

Annual Exercise ‘Akash Bijoy 2025’ of the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) is continuing in full swing all over Bangladesh airspace from all BAF bases, different Stations and Units located in Sylhet, Lalmonirhat, Shamsernagar, Rasulpur, Sudharampur, Bogura and Barisal. As part of the exercise, BAF pilots are conducting various types of missions with fighter, transport & helicopters following air combat tactics and procedures. All such operations include Combat Air Patrol (CAP), ground attack, troops & logistic transportation, tactical reconnaissance, Combat Search & Rescue (CSAR) and Combat Air Support (CAS) for own land & maritime forces, says an ISPR media release on Sunday evening. BAF Base renamed as ‘BAF Base Bir Uttam AK Khandker’ Chief of Air Staff of the BAF Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan has visited Air Command Operation Centre(ACOC), Air Defence Operation Centre(ADOC),  BAF Base Bashar, BAF Base A K Khandker, BAF Base Zahurul Haque and BAF Base Birsreshto Matiur Rahman during the exercise on Sunday to monitor the overall situation of the exercise and provide necessary guidance to oversee their performance, operational and maintenance activities.  Operations and activities are carried out at Exercise Akash Bijoy-2025 from 23. Apart from different aircraft and helicopter Units, all BAF personnel along with Air Defence Radar Unit, Surface to Air Missile (SAM) and Unmanned Aerial System Unit (UASU) units are also taking part in this exercise.  During this exercise, identification of the enemy aircraft through various radar squadrons is being carried out and practicing the mechanism to neutralize the attack with the help of fighter and missile units. Notable exercises are Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) operation by BAF helicopter and BAF Commando team, Emergency logistics supply by BAF transport aircraft, identification of explosives and verifying the effectiveness of neutralization by BAF Bomb Disposal Unit, and Scramble by Air Defense Alert (ADA) aircraft to neutralize enemy intruders, surveillance by drone and time sensitive target etc.   The main objective of this exercise is to assess present BAF capability and also to identify different weaknesses to improve further through evaluation of tactics and acquisition of assets. Overall, this exercise is surely going to expand BAF capability to safeguard our national airspace in the coming days.

Chief of Air Staff of Bangladesh Air Force Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan returned to Bangladesh on Friday after an official visit to the United States of America (USA). The Chief of Air Staff of Bangladesh Air Force visited the USA from March 17-18, ISPR said in a media release. During the visit, Chief of Air Staff discussed the activities of Bangladesh Air Force units deployed in peacekeeping missions and related matters to enhance the coordination and cooperation of Bangladesh Air Force with the United Nations, while also meeting with High Officials of the United Nations Headquarters to discuss the ways to enhance Bangladesh Air Force's contributions to the United Nations in the future. It is expected that the visit of the Chief of Air Staff will play a vital role for strengthening the bilateral relationship and enhance the scope of mutual cooperation in the professional sectors between Bangladesh and the United Nations, read the press release.