Bangladesh declares July 22 as day of mourning after Air Force jet crash kills 20
Muhammad Yunus, chief advisor of the interim government in Bangladesh, expressed 'deep grief and sorrow' over the tragedy. In a statement posted on X, he described the loss as 'irreparable,' extending condolences to the families of students, teachers, and Air Force personnel affected.
"The loss suffered by the Air Force, the students, parents, teachers, and staff of Milestone School and College, as well as others affected by this accident, is irreparable," he wrote.
"This is a moment of profound pain for the nation," Yunus added.
According to the military, the pilot was on a routine training flight when the aircraft "reportedly encountered a mechanical failure." Efforts were made to steer the jet away from densely populated areas, but "despite his best efforts," it crashed into the two-storey Milestone School and College.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the crash, which marks the worst aviation tragedy since 1984, when a commercial flight from Chattogram to Dhaka went down, killing all 49 people on board.
"The exact cause remains under investigation," the military said said in a statement.
In solidarity with Dhaka
As investigators work to determine the cause, leaders from across the region, including India and Pakistan, expressed grief and offered support to the Bangladeshi people during this national tragedy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed his deep shock and sorrow over the loss of lives in the tragic Bangladesh Air Force training jet crash in Dhaka's Diabari area earlier today.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister conveyed his condolences, stating that India stands in solidarity with the people of Bangladesh and is ready to extend its support and assistance for the rescue operation following the incident.
Echoing similar sentiments, Pakistan's Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif also expressed his grief over the incident. 'Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives in the aircraft crash at Milestone School in Dhaka. My heartfelt condolences to the people of Bangladesh, especially the families of the victims, many of them young children,' he said.
'Pakistan stands in solidarity with the Government and people of Bangladesh in these difficult moments," he added.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
17 hours ago
- Zawya
India, New Zealand wrap up second round of FTA talks, next round in September
India and New Zealand concluded the second round of free trade agreement talks in New Delhi on Friday, making progress in areas including goods, services, investment, and trade facilitation, India's commerce ministry said. The talks, held from July 14 to 25, follow the launch of negotiations in March during New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's visit to India. The third round will be held in New Zealand in September, with virtual meetings planned before then. This comes a day after India signed a trade pact with Britain and as it continues negotiations with the European Union and the United States. Both sides aim to conclude a "balanced, comprehensive and forward-looking" deal, the ministry said in a statement. India's merchandise trade with New Zealand rose 48.6% year-on-year to $1.3 billion in the 2024/25 fiscal year that ended in March. The proposed deal is expected to boost trade, investment, and supply chain resilience. (Reporting by Manoj Kumar; Editing by Emelia Sithole-Matarise)
Zawya
2 days ago
- Zawya
Britain and India sign free trade pact during Modi visit
Britain and India signed a free trade agreement on Thursday during a visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sealing a deal to cut tariffs on goods from textiles to whisky and cars and allow more market access for businesses. The two countries concluded talks on the trade pact in May after three years of stop-start negotiations, with both sides hastening efforts to clinch a deal in the shadow of tariff turmoil unleashed by U.S. President Donald Trump. The agreement between the world's fifth and sixth largest economies aims to increase bilateral trade by a further 25.5 billion pounds ($34 billion) by 2040. It is Britain's biggest trade deal since it left the European Union in 2020, although its impact will be a fraction of the effect of leaving the orbit of its closest trading partner. For India, it represents its biggest strategic partnership with an advanced economy, and one which could provide a template for a long mooted deal with the EU as well as talks with other regions. It will take effect after a ratification process, likely within a year. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the deal would bring "huge benefits" for both countries, making trade cheaper, quicker and easier. "We've entered a new global era, and that is one that requires us to step up, not to stand aside... by building deeper partnerships and alliances," Starmer said. Modi said the visit would "go a long way in advancing the economic partnership between our nations". They also agreed a partnership covering areas such as defence and climate, and said they would strengthen co-operation on tackling crime. WHISKY, CARS Under the trade agreement, tariffs on Scotch whisky will drop to 75% from 150% immediately, and then slide to 40% over the next decade, according to the British government. On cars, India will cut duties to 10% from over 100% under a quota system that will be gradually liberalised. In return, Indian manufacturers will gain access to the UK market for electric and hybrid vehicles, also under a quota system. The ministry has said 99% of Indian exports to Britain would benefit from zero duties under the deal, including textiles, while Britain will see reductions on 90% of its tariff lines, with the average tariff UK firms face dropping to 3% from 15%. While it is Britain's biggest deal since Brexit, the projected boost to British economic output, of 4.8 billion pounds a year by 2040, is small compared to the country's gross domestic product of 2.6 trillion pounds in 2024. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has forecast that UK exports and imports will be about 15% lower in the long run compared with if Britain had stayed in the EU. In its first year in power, Britain's Labour government has launched a reset of ties with the EU in order to smooth trade friction, while also clinching some tariff relief from the United States and the India trade deal. "In an era of rising protectionism, today's announcement sends a powerful signal that the UK is open for business," said Rain Newton-Smith, the chief executive of the Confederation of British Industry. The India deal will also facilitate easier access for temporary business visitors, though visas are not covered. Britain and India also agreed to ensure workers no longer have to make social security contributions in both India and Britain during temporary postings in the other country. Under the trade deal, British firms will be able to access India's procurement market for projects in sectors such as clean energy, and it also covers services sectors such as insurance. India didn't succeed in its efforts to get an exemption from Britain's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) - which could levy higher taxes on polluters from 2027 - as part of the deal. Meanwhile talks over a separate bilateral investment treaty are continuing.
The National
2 days ago
- The National
Strategic neutrality is a smart approach in an uncertain world
Amid escalating tensions between global powers – the US, China and Russia – the Gulf states have adopted a policy of 'strategic neutrality' as a deliberate and calculated choice. This neutrality reflects a rational and forward-looking approach that balances national interests with the evolving geopolitical landscape. It aims to protect diplomatic and economic achievements, enhance regional stability and consolidate the Gulf's leadership in both regional and international affairs. This strategy emerged as a practical response to a volatile global order marked by intensifying rivalries and competing alliances. Rather than aligning with a single axis, Gulf countries have invested in a diversified network of relationships that serve their sovereign development agendas and long-term goals. The US remains a key security partner for the Gulf, particularly in defence and arms co-operation. Yet this relationship has experienced increasing variability due to changes in US administrations and a strategic shift towards the Indo-Pacific. In parallel, China has become a principal economic partner for the region through the Belt and Road Initiative, investing in energy, infrastructure and advanced technologies such as AI and digital systems. Russia maintains influence through its energy partnership in Opec+ and its involvement in regional conflicts such as Syria and Libya. Rather than choosing sides, Gulf states have embraced 'balanced positioning' – maintaining defence and economic ties with Washington, expanding economic and technological co-operation with Beijing, and co-ordinating energy strategies with Moscow. This approach allows them to broaden their strategic space and optimise outcomes without being locked into rigid blocs or reactive alignments. A prime example of this approach was the visit of US President Donald Trump to the Gulf in May. The visit resulted in significant investment commitments by Gulf countries in the US, totalling in the trillions of dollars. These included $600 billion from Saudi Arabia in infrastructure and smart city projects, and more than $1.4 trillion in planned UAE investments targeting clean energy, artificial intelligence and a number of advanced sectors. Bahrain also signed a major package with American companies, signalling a deepening and diversified economic partnership. Gulf neutrality is not limited to great-power relations. It extends to regional diplomacy and influence. Gulf states have encouraged balanced foreign policies across the Arab world, notably with Syria, Jordan and a number of Arab states. This has involved economic support, diplomatic reintegration and quiet advocacy for lifting sanctions. Syria, in particular, illustrates this shift: the Gulf pushed for its return to the Arab League in 2023 while supporting humanitarian and developmental pathways. This stabilising role is expanding beyond the Arab core. In the Red Sea and Horn of Africa, Gulf countries are investing in ports, energy corridors and conflict mediation. Their role in Yemen peace efforts and in balancing military influence along East Africa's coastline underscores their evolution into a regional anchor of stability. As global challenges – from energy transitions to maritime security and AI governance – intensify, the GCC states face complex tests requiring strategic clarity. The Gulf countries' response to the Russia-Ukraine conflict further reflects their diplomatic agility. Key among them refrained from condemning Russia, instead calling for dialogue and restraint. They also facilitated prisoner exchanges, enhancing their reputation as neutral intermediaries. Meanwhile, they continued digital partnerships with Chinese firms, demonstrating pragmatism and a commitment to sovereign decision-making, despite western pressure. Domestically, national strategies like Saudi Vision 2030 and UAE Centennial 2071 promote economic diversification and knowledge-based growth. With more than $4 trillion in sovereign wealth assets, the Gulf enjoys financial autonomy and global investment influence. This economic depth enables the region to pursue foreign policy independently and assertively. Security policy has evolved, too. Gulf states have diversified arms sources, bolstered local defence industries and invested in cybersecurity infrastructure. Their growing ties with Turkey and new bilateral agreements reflect a broader goal: achieving strategic autonomy in a multipolar world. As part of this shift, several of them are exploring engagement with geopolitical blocs such as Brics and the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation. These moves signal a recalibration, though not without friction – Washington has issued tariff threats against countries deepening ties with rival centres of influence, clearly aimed at overtures by partners towards the East. Beyond traditional diplomacy, Gulf neutrality has morphed into soft power and global engagement. The UAE has hosted major international events such as Expo 2020 and Cop28. Qatar elevated its global standing through the Fifa World Cup, while Saudi Arabia is positioning Riyadh as a hub for investment, diplomacy and cultural exchange. These initiatives reinforce the Gulf countries' collective ambition to define – not merely follow – the contours of the global order. As global challenges – from energy transitions to maritime security and AI governance – intensify, the GCC states face complex tests requiring strategic clarity. What sets this model apart is its adaptability. It has turned geography into leverage, neutrality into influence and diversified partnerships into engines of resilience and sustainable growth. Ultimately, these states are charting a confident and forward-looking course through an era of shifting power dynamics. Strategic neutrality is no longer reactive – it is an active instrument of sovereignty, enabling the region to balance between competing forces while protecting its national interests and shaping its collective future. Whether this approach endures will depend on the Gulf countries' ability to refine it – adapting their neutrality tools to remain aligned with a world in transformation.
