Dhaka: Three members of the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) tragically lost their lives, and four others were injured in a road accident at the third terminal area of Hazrat Shahjalal (R) International Airport in Dhaka while on official duty.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the accident occurred at approximately 9:35 pm on Monday when a BAF jeep, carrying seven members of the Quick Response Force (QRF), encountered the mishap during their deployment. An ISPR press release confirmed the details of the incident, emphasizing the immediate response by BAF personnel who rescued the injured and transported them to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Dhaka.
At CMH, the duty doctors declared Warrant Officer Sultan Mahmud, Corporal Moniruzzaman Pias, and LAC Md Zubaidul Islam dead. The four other BAF personnel who sustained serious injuries are currently receiving medical treatment at the hospital.
Since August 5, 2024, BAF personnel have been stationed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and other key airports across Bangladesh under the “In Aid to Civil Power” initiative. This deployment aims to support law enforcement, ensure passenger safety, and facilitate secure travel.
A namaz-e-janaza and funeral parade with full military honours were held at 5:30 pm today at the C-130 hangar of Bangladesh Air Force Base Bir Uttam A K Khandker (Kurmitola) within Dhaka Cantonment. The ceremony was attended by Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat and Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman.
Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan honored the deceased by placing wreaths on their coffins. Family members of the deceased, former chiefs of air staff, senior government officials, senior military officers, and BAF personnel of various ranks also attended the funeral.
Following the janaza, the bodies were transported to their respective village homes. A BAF delegation will oversee their burial with full military honours at a later date.
The Bangladesh Air Force has expressed profound grief over the tragic loss of its members and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Prayers have also been offered for the swift recovery of the injured personnel.