Air base in Dhaka essential: Bangladesh Air Force

The Bangladesh Air Force has emphasized the strategic necessity of maintaining an air base in Dhaka to ensure the capital's air defense and security, dismissing any plans to relocate the facility.

Air Commodore Shahidul Islam, Director of Flight Operations at Bangladesh Air Force, said on Monday, that there is no plan to move the air base from Dhaka, as it plays a vital role in securing the capital’s airspace. 

He made the remarks during a press conference at the Bangladesh Aerospace University in Dhaka's Tejgaon, following a recent military aircraft crash.

In response to a question from journalists about the possibility of relocating the training air base, Air Commodore Islam noted that such bases are common in major capitals worldwide and that Dhaka's air base is crucial for national security.

Speaking at the same briefing, Air Commodore Md Mizanur Rahman, Chief Coordinator of the Air Force's Emergency Coordination Center, stated that the Bangladesh Air Force had actively participated in the rescue efforts on the day of the crash. A high-level investigation committee was formed the same day.

He added that a team of Chinese experts may assist with the investigation, which would help identify the root cause of the accident. The Air Force is committed to providing full support to all injured and bereaved families for as long as necessary.