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News18
a day ago
- General
- News18
Are Chinese Jets Behind Aviation Disasters In Bangladesh? A Look At BAF Crashes In Last 30 Years
A Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) F-7 BGI fighter jet crashed into a school on Monday, killing 25 people in one of the country's worst aviation disasters in decades. News18 Bangladesh witnessed one of its deadliest aviation disasters in recent history when a Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) F-7 BGI fighter jet crashed into Milestone School & College in Dhaka's Uttara area on Monday, killing 25 people and injuring more than 170 others. The Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) attributed the crash to a 'mechanical failure" after take off, saying that the pilot made every effort to divert the aircraft away from densely populated areas in vain. A high-level investigation committee has been set up to probe the cause of the accident. Bangladesh Air Force has witnessed at least 27 fighter jet and aircraft crashes since 1992, which have contributed to growing concerns over flight safety. This crash is the deadliest so far. According to data, Chinese-manufactured aircraft have topped the list in terms of accidents. Dhaka Tribune. November 23, 2018: A Chinese F-7BG crashed in Madhupur, Tangail. Wing Commander Arif Ahmed Dipu died after ejecting. July 1, 2018: A Chinese-Pakistani K-8W trainer crashed near Jessore during night training. Two Squadron Leaders died in the crash. December 27, 2017: Two Russian Yak‑130 jets collided mid-air over Maheshkhali Island in Cox's Bazar. All four pilots ejected safely. July 11, 2017: Another Yak-130 crashed during a training exercise in Lohagara, Chattogram, but both pilots survived. June 29, 2015: A Chinese F‑7MB disappeared into the Bay of Bengal off Chattogram. Flight Lieutenant Tahmid went missing in the crash and was presumed dead. April 8, 2012: A Czechoslovakian Aero L‑39 trainer crashed in Madhupur, Tangail. Pilot Officer Shariful Haque died, while Squadron Leader Rashid was injured. December 20, 2010: Two Chinese PT‑6 training aircraft crashed near Barisal Airport and both squadron leaders died in the incident. April 8, 2008: A Chinese F‑7 crashed in Ghatail, Tangail, and Squadron Leader Morshed Hasan died after ejecting. Are Chinese Aircraft Behind These Crashes? Most of the aircraft involved in these crashes were FT-7, PT-6, and F-7MB models, which are primarily manufactured in China. A former Bangladesh Air Force officer told the Dhaka Tribune that Chinese aircraft are one of the main reasons behind these repeated crashes, yet they are still being used due to various constraints. The Bangladesh Air Force reportedly has around 40 Chinese F-7 fighters. The first batch was delivered around 1998. Even though Bangladesh is trying to procure aircraft from Russia and Europe, Chinese F-7 units continue to dominate the force's training units. The Chinese F-7 jet is the export version of its J-7 model, a lightweight and single-engine fighter jet based on the Soviet MiG-21. It was developed as early as 1961 after a technology transfer agreement between China and the Soviet Union. It remains one of China's most widely exported aircraft, although they have faced several issues over the years, including ageing design, maintenance challenges and high accident rate. Other Issues Apart from Chinese aircraft, human errors and external factors like bird strikes have also contributed to BAF accidents. Many experts believe unplanned urbanisation – including the presence of high-rise buildings within the aircraft marker line – is a key factor behind such crashes. An expert stated that Flight Lieutenant Towkir Islam Sagar, who was piloting the aircraft that crashed on Monday, was approaching the inner landing zone. However, the area, which should have been kept clear, was occupied by an ongoing urban development project. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
India Today
16-07-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Dasheri, Langra, Haribhanga and diplomacy: The many flavours of mango
Amid Dhaka's strained relations with New Delhi, Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser to Bangladesh's interim government, sent 1,000 kg of Haribhanga mangoes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The gesture came about a month after PM Modi extended Eid al-Adha greetings to Yunus and the people of Bangladesh. The gift might be a signal of continuity as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who's now in self-imposed exile, too sent mangoes. Mangoes, a fruit that is native to the Indian subcontinent, have played a juicy role in diplomacy, including one involving China's Mao Zedong and consignment of Haribhanga mangoes – a premium variety from northern Bangladesh – was dispatched to PM Modi last weekend, according to the Dhaka Tribune. Not just the Prime Minister, the mangoes will also be shared with PMO dignitaries, diplomats, and other Dhaka-based newspaper added that the interim government is also sending mangoes to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, continuing the long-standing relationship between Bangladesh and the state. Last Thursday, Yunus sent 300 kg of Haribhanga mangoes to Tripura CM Manik Saha, said the Dhaka Hasina would send mangoes and Hilsa fish to CMs of Bengal and some Northeast states due to their proximity to the mangoes were routed to India through the Akhaura land gesture is significant against the backdrop of India-Bangladesh tensions since Hasina's August 2024 ouster. Her seeking asylum in India following student-led protests stirred anti-India sentiments in Yunus government, too, has shown signs of leaning toward China, with Beijing ramping up investments and loans under its Belt and Road this move by Yunus mirrors Hasina's balancing act, tiptoeing between Indian and Chinese this is not the first time mangoes have been used as a diplomatic gift. It's been in practice for decades, especially in the Indian subcontinent. Here are the instances when mangoes sweetened ties between MANGO DIPLOMACY IN THE 1950sIn the 1950s, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru leveraged mangoes as a diplomatic tool to foster goodwill with foreign reportedly gifted mangoes to dignitaries during their state visits to India. When travelling abroad, Nehru carried mangoes as gifts.A report in The Indian Express narrates a notable instance from 1955 when Nehru gifted eight saplings of Dasheri and Langra mangoes to then Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai. The saplings were meant for planting in Guangzhou's People's mangoes were a return gift for Zhou, who, in November 1954, had showered Nehru with a slew of exotic and precious gifts, that included a pair of spotted deer, a pair of red crested cranes, and 100 goldfish, according to the reports suggest that Nehru also gifted mangoes to Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev during his 1955 visit to instances established mangoes as a soft power tool in India's early MANGO GIFT TO MAO ZEDONGIn August 1968, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Mian Arshad Hussain gifted a crate of mangoes to Chinese Chairman Mao Zedong during a diplomatic reported by the BBC, Mao, uninterested in the fruit himself, redistributed the mangoes to factory gift arrived at a time when Mao was seeking to reassert his authority amid factional struggles, and the mangoes became an unexpected propaganda at Beijing's Tsinghua University, where Mao sent one mango, preserved it in formaldehyde and created wax replicas for display across the weren't common in China replicas were paraded in processions, with one factory even placing a mango replica on an altar, where workers paid daily BBC notes that a worker ignorant of the fruit's significance was executed for comparing a mango to a sweet imagery also appeared on posters, badges, and household gesture seemingly strengthened Pakistan-China ties, as Pakistan sought to counterbalance India's regional influence, particularly after the 1965 India-Pakistan UL-HAQ'S GIFT OF MANGOES TO INDIRA GANDHIIn 1981, Pakistan's military ruler Zia ul-Haq sent mangoes to Prime Minister Indira Gandhi as a goodwill gesture, as per a report in the news agency the gesture did not resolve deep-seated conflicts between India and Pakistan, it was seemingly a gift that Indira Gandhi appreciated, as per mangoes gifted by Zia to Indira Gandhi was known as Anwar Rataul in Pakistan and Rataul in India. Named after a Uttar Pradesh village, it sparked a cultural tug-of-war between the two nations over its activist and mango aficionado Sohail Hashmi told PTI that soon after the gift, mango enthusiasts and experts said Ratauls only grew in India and what was gifted to Indira were "fakes". Hasmi said farmers from Rataul presented their case to Gandhi, asserting the mango's Indian roots.'The mango is called Rataul because it was developed here,' Hashmi told PTI. 'Some people who migrated to Pakistan took cuttings and began cultivating the variety in Multan.'Though both countries claim it, its role as a diplomatic gift between two arch-rivals shows how important mangoes have been in India-Pakistan diplomacy since the TIES WITH THE USDuring his visit to India in March 2006, US President George W Bush reportedly expressed a keen desire to taste Indian mangoes. At the time, a nearly two-decade-long ban had barred Indian mango exports to the interest prompted a deal with then-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, leading to the launch of the "mango initiative".As a result, Indian mangoes re-entered the American market. On April 27, 2007, a shipment of 150 boxes arrived at New York's John F Kennedy Airport in what The New York Times called "probably the most eagerly anticipated fruit delivery ever".US officials reportedly said the export marked the commitment of both nations to deepen trade relations and create fresh economic opportunities for their SHARIF TO NARENDRA MODIIn July 2015, Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif sent a box of mangoes to PM Modi, as well as then-President Pranab Mukherjee, former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, in a gesture aimed at fostering goodwill, The Dawn Modi and other recipients acknowledged the gift, it did little to ease tensions between India and the decades, mangoes have served as a form of diplomatic currency across Asia, especially within the Indian subcontinent. Though such gestures may not have notably eased India-Pakistan tensions, Yunus' continuation of Hasina's tradition might be a signal from Bangladesh to India.- EndsMust Watch
News18
15-07-2025
- Politics
- News18
‘Preparing For Jihad': Pakistan Taliban's Grip Spreads To Bangladesh, 2 Held Over Terror Links
In his reported confession to police, Foysal admitted he was 'inspired by the ideology of TTP" and had traveled to Afghanistan via Pakistan in October 2024 along with Ahmed Jubair, a 23-year-old from Savar, who was later killed in a Pakistan army operation in Waziristan. Foysal also claimed that key accused Engineer Imran Haider had played a central role in 'recruiting and motivating Bangladeshi youths for the TTP." According to the case details, Foysal and the other accused, including Rezaul Karim Abrar, Asif Adnan, Zakaria Masud, and Md Sanaf Hasan, were allegedly 'spreading TTP ideology online and preparing for jihad". The phrase 'preparing for jihad" featured explicitly in the charge sheet accessed by the Dhaka Tribune, highlighting how the group was not just sharing radical content but actively pushing towards recruitment and militant training. In a separate operation on July 14, Shamin Mahfuz, 48, a former leader of banned outfits JMB and Jama'atul Ansar Fil Hindal Sharqiya, was arrested in Narayanganj by the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and handed over to the ATU. Although not named in Foysal's case, Shamin's alleged TTP links emerged during interrogation. With a long history of militancy cases, arms training, and reported efforts to set up extremist camps in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, Shamin is also known for his connections with separatist groups like the Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF). He had been out on bail since October 2024.
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First Post
14-07-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Mango diplomacy after Eid letter: Is Yunus seeking to reset ties with Modi?
Bangladesh's interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, has sent 1,000 kg of Haribhanga mangoes to PM Narendra Modi, days after exchanging Eid greetings through letters. Amid strained ties since Sheikh Hasina's exit, this sweet gesture follows a long tradition of mango diplomacy in Asia, signalling a possible shift in Dhaka's approach toward New Delhi read more Bangladesh's interim Chief Adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has initiated what many are referring to as 'mango diplomacy' with India. According to Dhaka Tribune, a consignment of 1,000 kilogrammes of Haribhanga mangoes, a highly prized variety cultivated in northern Bangladesh, was dispatched to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and key political leaders in New Delhi over the weekend. The gesture, coordinated by Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is being seen as part of a broader diplomatic effort by the current caretaker administration in Dhaka to re-engage New Delhi. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Alongside Modi, mango consignments are also being delivered to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha. According to officials at the Bangladesh High Commission in India, the gifts are intended for distribution among dignitaries in the Indian Prime Minister's Office and the diplomatic corps. This consignment is part of a longstanding tradition in the subcontinent, where seasonal fruits — especially mangoes — are used as tokens of goodwill. Bangladesh, in particular, has often engaged in such symbolic exchanges with Indian states and leaders. Does Yunus want to mend ties with Modi? The mangoes followed a diplomatic exchange earlier in June when Modi sent Eid-ul-Adha greetings to the people of Bangladesh and Yunus. In a return letter dated June 6, Yunus noted PM Modi's message that 'reflects the shared values' and the connect between the two nations. He continued, 'I am confident that the spirit of mutual respect and understanding will continue to guide our nations to work together for the wellbeing of our peoples.' Describing the religious festival as 'a time of reflection, which brings communities together in the spirit of festivity, sacrifice, generosity and unity,' Yunus used the opportunity to highlight the importance of working collaboratively across borders for the broader good. In his own letter dated June 4, Modi had described Eid-ul-Adha as 'an integral part of the rich and diverse cultural heritage of India' and stated the values of 'sacrifice, compassion and brotherhood' as central to building inclusive and peaceful societies. Though diplomatic courtesies such as these are customary during religious festivals, this particular sequence signals a more deliberate attempt to re-engage at a time when formal diplomatic ties have been significantly stressed. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Strained Bangladesh-India relations India's relationship with Bangladesh has undergone a considerable shift since the dramatic fall of Sheikh Hasina's government in August 2024, following months of youth-led protests. The unrest, marked by widespread violence and a reported death toll exceeding 1,000, culminated in Hasina's abrupt departure from Dhaka. Since August 5 last year, the former prime minister has been living in India, where she remains in self-imposed exile. India's discomfort with the new dispensation has been evident. The administration under Yunus — appointed as head of the interim government — has drawn criticism from New Delhi over a range of issues, including its perceived mishandling of communal violence targeting minorities and a noticeable diplomatic tilt towards China and Pakistan. Bangladesh, on its part, has accused India of meddling in its domestic affairs and expressed strong resentment over what it called 'unwanted Indian interference.' Meanwhile, the domestic political environment in Bangladesh remains unsettled. Several opposition parties have been pressing for early national elections and a return to full-fledged democratic rule. While Yunus has indicated that elections could be held by the end of 2025, he has publicly stated that he does not intend to contest them himself. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The political vacuum and the broader strategic uncertainty have prompted Dhaka to recalibrate its foreign policy. In the last year, Bangladesh has notably deepened its engagement with China. With over $7 billion in investments and a debt burden exceeding $6 billion, China plays a significant role in Dhaka's economic and infrastructural development. Bangladesh is also part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Chinese President Xi Jinping's flagship transcontinental infrastructure project. Why Bangladesh still needs India Despite its outreach to Beijing, Bangladesh remains deeply interlinked with India, both geographically and economically. Nearly 94 per cent of Bangladesh's 4,367-kilometre border is shared with India, and the country's geo-position makes its economy heavily reliant on Indian access points for trade and transportation. This proximity not only creates logistical dependency but also grants Dhaka considerable leverage as a vital corridor for India's northeastern states. From food staples like rice, wheat, onions, and sugar, to raw materials such as cotton and iron, Bangladesh imports a wide range of essentials from its western neighbour. India also supplies refined petroleum, electronic equipment and construction materials vital to Bangladesh's urbanisation and industrial growth. Any prolonged downturn in relations with India would significantly impair Bangladesh's economy. A reduction in cross-border trade or delays in supply chains could lead to inflation, job losses and a drop in GDP. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Bangladesh's ready-made garments (RMG) industry — the backbone of its export economy — depends heavily on Indian textile inputs. Disruptions to this supply would directly affect foreign revenue and employment in the sector. These realities make it evident that Dhaka cannot afford to alienate New Delhi entirely, even as it cultivates strategic ties with other powers. India, for its part, sees Bangladesh as a crucial partner in regional connectivity, security cooperation and counterterrorism efforts. What is mango diplomacy? Using mangoes as a soft diplomatic tool is not new in South Asian politics. The gifting of mangoes, particularly high-quality regional varieties, has long been a symbol of hospitality and friendship in the region. In 2023, then-Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina sent mangoes to President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a friendly gesture during stalled negotiations over the Teesta water-sharing agreement. The practice has also been observed in other regional contexts. In 2008, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari gifted mangoes to then-Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, seeking to open the door for bilateral dialogue. Going further back, Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi presented mangoes to Philippine President Corazon Aquino during a state visit in 1986. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD West Bengal and Tripura have often received seasonal mango gifts from Dhaka, reciprocated in kind by the Indian states. This year, Tripura received 300 kilogrammes of Haribhanga mangoes, packed in 60 cartons and delivered through the Akhaura land port. Tripura's signature offering in return has traditionally been the Queen variety of pineapples, renowned for their flavour. While these fruit exchanges are largely symbolic, they serve a purpose in maintaining a working relationship even during periods of political discord. Also Watch: With inputs from agencies
Hindustan Times
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Don't call her 'sir': Bangladesh scraps 'inappropriate, undesirable' Hasina-era rule for women officials
Bangladesh has officially scrapped a Sheikh Hasina-regime rule which required public officials to address the former prime minister and other senior women officials as "sir." As per the official notice issued by the Yunus-led interim government, the directive has been scraped due to its "inappropriate" nature. As per the official notice issued by the Yunus-led interim government, the directive has been scraped due to its "inappropriate" nature.(AP) Based on a report by Dhaka Tribune, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam shared that the scrapping of the directive was finalised after a meeting of the advisory council in Dhaka. "During Sheikh Hasina's nearly 16-year-long autocratic rule, a directive was reportedly issued requiring public officials to address her as 'sir,'" the press secretary wrote on Facebook. Also Read: Hindu, Buddhist temples replace Mujib image on new Bangladesh currency notes "This practice extended to other high-ranking women officials, who were and still are being called 'sir,' which is clearly odd," he added further. Along with the "sir" order, the advisory council has also scrapped other "outdated" directives and protocol rules. Also Read: Sheikh Hasina ordered 'lethal' crackdown on Bangladesh student protests: Report With the order for "sir" gone, the interim government has stated it will form a review committee to look into an "appropriate" manner to address senior officials and public servants. The review committee will be led by Syeda Rizwana Hasan, who is also the current advisor on energy, roads, railways, environment, and water resources. The use of "sir" for female officials has been criticised for many years. The interim government has vowed to work towards a more "respectful and appropriate" term which will match social norms and values of Bangladesh.
