The Bangladesh Air Force has defended the presence of a fighter jet base in Dhaka, saying it is essential for the country's air defence and in line with strategic and operational requirements typical of capital cities around the world.The comment follows mounting public scrutiny after an Air Force F-7BGI fighter jet crashed into Milestone School and College in Dhaka's Diabari area on July 21, killing 34 people, mostly children, in one of the deadliest military aviation disasters in Bangladesh's history.On Monday, Air Commodore Mohammad Sahidul Islam, director of air operations, said: "Due to the capital's strategic and operational necessity, a fighter jet base in Dhaka is indispensable for defending the country's airspace. "Following the crash, questions have been raised over the safety of the Chinese-built F-7BGI jet, the prudence of conducting training flights over densely populated areas, and the proximity of tall civilian buildings near the airfield.Speaking at a press briefing, Sahidul said fighter jet operations require "a wide runway, air traffic control, maintenance and logistics support, fuel storage, and radar facilities", all of which necessitate the presence of an airbase in the capital.He added that operational aircraft are routinely used for pilot training throughout the year, including single-seater jets, and all necessary safety protocols are followed. �"bdnews24.com
