Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat said driver inexperience or a sudden loss of control is preliminarily suspected to have caused the tragic accident involving a Bangladesh Air Force vehicle at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s Third Terminal on Monday.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday after visiting the crash site, Millat emphasised that the definitive cause of the accident cannot be confirmed until the official investigation is completed.
He confirmed that three Bangladesh Air Force personnel lost their lives in the incident, while several others sustained injuries and are currently receiving necessary medical treatment.
During his inspection of the Third Terminal area, Millat highlighted the critical importance of ensuring enhanced caution regarding vehicle movements within the terminal’s premises in the future.
He stressed that necessary measures must be implemented to prevent similar accidents and effectively manage any potential safety risks.
Five-member probe committee formed
To determine the exact cause of the crash, a five-member investigation committee has been constituted.
Millat explained that the inquiry will thoroughly examine various potential factors, including the driver’s level of competency, the speed at which the vehicle was travelling at the time of the incident, and whether any technical or infrastructural issues contributed to the accident.
The precise findings will only be established once the committee submits its final report.
Military funeral and burials
The funeral prayers (janaza) and a funeral parade with full military honours for the three deceased Air Force members were held at 5:30pm on Tuesday at the C-130 Hangar of Bangladesh Air Force Base Bir Uttam AK Khandker (Kurmitola) in Dhaka Cantonment.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat and Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman, attended the funeral prayers. Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan paid his respects by placing wreaths on the coffins of the deceased.
The ceremony was also attended by the family members of the deceased, former Chiefs of Air Staff, high-ranking government officials, senior military officers, and personnel of other ranks.
Following the janaza, the bodies of the deceased were taken to their respective village homes, where Bangladesh Air Force delegations will complete the burials with appropriate military honours.
The tragic accident occurred on Monday night when an Air Force vehicle carrying seven personnel lost control and plunged from the second floor of the third Terminal area.
According to different reports, the incident took place at approximately 9:35pm or around 10:15pm.
The personnel were performing Quick Response Force (QRF) security duties under the ‘In Aid to Civil Power’ mandate, which has been operational since 5 August 2024 to maintain law and order, and ensure passenger safety and comfortable travel at the country’s major airports.
Following the crash, Air Force members rushed to the scene to rescue the victims and transported them to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Dhaka, where the duty doctors declared three members dead.
The deceased have been identified as Warrant Officer Sultan Mahmud (also referred to as Warrant Officer Mahmud), Corporal Moniruzzaman Pias (also referred to as Corporal Moniruzzaman), and LAC Md Jubaidul Islam (also referred to as Lance Corporal Jubaidul).
Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director Lieutenant Colonel Sami-Ud-Doula Chowdhury confirmed that all three deceased were Air Force members.
Four other Air Force members were injured in the accident and remain under treatment at CMH. Among them, Corporal Mahbub and LAC Ahad are reported to be in a serious condition, while Senior Officer Abul Khayer sustained minor injuries.
