Deadly Jet Crash in Bangladesh Leaves 27 Dead
Introduction
The recent deadly jet crash in Bangladesh has left the nation in mourning. The tragedy, which took place on Monday, resulted in the death of 27 people and is being considered as the deadliest aviation disaster the country has seen in decades. The plane, belonging to domestic airline US-Bangla, crashed into a school near the airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, shortly after taking off.
Timeline of Events
The flight, carrying 71 passengers and crew, took off from Dhaka airport at 2:12 PM local time. Just after 2:30 PM, the pilot reported a malfunction and requested permission to land. However, the plane crashed into the ground, broke into three pieces and burst into flames. The crash resulted in the death of 27 people, including 22 Nepali citizens and 4 Bangladeshi nationals.
Investigation and Aftermath
The cause of the crash is still under investigation, with officials from the airline, airport and aviation authorities trying to piece together the sequence of events. The prime minister of Bangladesh has declared a national day of mourning in honor of the victims. This tragedy also raises concerns about the safety and regulation of domestic airlines in the country and calls for stricter measures to prevent such disasters in the future.
About the People Mentioned
Pilot
Pilot is a Scottish rock band formed in 1973 in Edinburgh by David Paton (vocals and bass) and Billy Lyall (keyboards and vocals), both former members of the Bay City Rollers. The band gained international fame with their 1974 hit "Magic," which reached No. 11 in the UK and No. 5 in the US, becoming a pop classic. Their biggest success came with the song "January," which topped the UK Singles Chart in January 1975. Pilot released four albums before disbanding in 1977, with notable contributions from guitarist Ian Bairnson, who became a permanent member after initially working as a session musician. The band was managed by Nick and Tim Heath and signed to EMI Records[1][3][4]. David Paton, a key figure in Pilot, is recognized for his versatile musicianship and songwriting. After Pilot, he worked extensively as a session musician and collaborator, including with The Alan Parsons Project and the progressive rock band Camel. His vocal work and songwriting have been well regarded in rock circles, with a career spanning over four decades. Paton also co-wrote songs for pop acts like Westlife in the 2000s[2][5]. Pilot's music is characterized by catchy pop-rock melodies and harmonies, blending elements of soft rock and glam rock. Though their original run was brief, their songs continue to receive airplay and remain influential in pop rock history. The band members occasionally reunited for projects such as re-recordings in the early 2000s, affirming their lasting legacy beyond their 1970s peak[3]. Pilot's enduring relevance lies in their classic hits, especially "Magic" and "January," which still resonate with audiences and showcase the melodic sensibility of 1970s Scottish rock[6].
Prime Minister of Bangladesh
# Sheikh Hasina: Bangladesh's Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wazed was born on September 28, 1947, and served as Prime Minister of Bangladesh across multiple terms, becoming the country's longest-serving prime minister in its history.[5] She is the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh's founding president, and has led the Awami League party since 1981.[5] Hasina's political career began following the assassination of her father in 1975, during which she and her younger sister survived by being abroad in Germany.[2] She spent approximately six years in exile in India before returning to Bangladesh on May 17, 1981, where she immediately campaigned against military rule for democratic restoration.[2] The Awami League, under her leadership, won the June 1996 parliamentary elections, bringing her to power for the first time since her father's death.[2] Her political tenure included four separate terms as prime minister: from 1996 to 2001, and then from 2009 to 2024.[5] She notably became the first leader to step down peacefully after serving a full five-year term in 2001.[2] Following subsequent electoral victories in 2008, 2014, 2018, and January 2024, she accumulated 15 years and 212 days in office across her terms.[2][3] However, her final tenure ended amid significant political upheaval. Beginning in July 2024, mass student-led protests erupted, which security forces cracked down on, resulting in hundreds of deaths.[5] On August 5, 2024, Hasina resigned and fled to India following nationwide protests against her government.[4] In November 2025, she was convicted in absentia by Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal on charges of crimes against humanity, including ordering lethal force against protesters, and sentenced to death—a verdict she rejected as politically motivated.[5] Meanwhile, Nobel Prize winner Muhammad Yunus assumed leadership of an interim government following her departure.[6]
About the Organizations Mentioned
US-Bangla
US-Bangla is a major Bangladeshi conglomerate best known for its flagship airline, **US-Bangla Airlines**, the largest private airline in Bangladesh by fleet size and the country's second largest airline overall after the national carrier, Biman Bangladesh Airlines[1][2][3]. Founded as part of the US-Bangla Group in 2010 and commencing airline operations in 2014, US-Bangla Airlines quickly expanded from domestic flights to a robust network including international destinations across Asia and the Middle East[1][3]. Its fleet includes Boeing 737-800 and ATR 72-600 aircraft, supporting both domestic and international routes such as Guangzhou, Singapore, Dubai, and Riyadh, addressing the travel needs of millions of Bangladeshi expatriates and pilgrims[1][3]. The US-Bangla Group itself originated in 2009 with US-Bangla Assets, a real estate company, before diversifying into education, healthcare, manufacturing, media, courier services, and consumer products[4]. Key subsidiaries include Green University of Bangladesh, US-Bangla Medical College and Hospital, US-Bangla Leather (100% export oriented), and upcoming ventures in electronics manufacturing (US-Bangla Hi-tech Industries) and media[4]. This diversification reflects a strategic vision to build a multifaceted conglomerate supporting modern life and economic growth in Bangladesh. Under visionary leadership, including CEO Imran Asif and Managing Director Abdullah Al Mamun, US-Bangla Airlines embodies the company motto “Fly Fast—Fly Safe,” emphasizing safety and efficiency[2]. The airline's notable achievements include pioneering direct flights to Southern India and China for Bangladeshi carriers and expanding Middle Eastern routes to serve a vast diaspora community[1][3]. The airline’s growth has paralleled the group’s broader business expansion, positioning US-Bangla as a leading player in Bangladesh’s business and technology sectors. In summary, US-
Dhaka Airport
**Dhaka Airport**, officially known as **Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA)**, is the largest and main international airport of Bangladesh, located in Kurmitola, about 17 km north of Dhaka city center[1][2]. It serves as the principal aviation gateway for Bangladesh, connecting the capital with numerous international and domestic destinations. The airport is managed by the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) and functions as the main hub for the national flag carrier, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, as well as private airlines like Novo Air, Air Astra, and US-Bangla Airlines[2]. The airport's origins date back to 1941 when the British government constructed a landing strip during World War II. Post-independence, the government developed it into the country’s main international airport, officially opening in 1980 as Dacca International Airport. It was renamed Zia International Airport in 1983 and later, in 2010, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to honor Shah Jalal, a prominent Sufi saint of Bangladesh, reflecting the nation’s cultural heritage[1][2]. The IATA code "DAC" derives from the old spelling "Dacca"[2]. Covering 802 hectares (1,981 acres), HSIA has an annual passenger handling capacity of about 18.5 million, predicted to suffice until 2026. In 2014, it managed 9.1 million passengers and 248,000 tons of cargo, with around 190 international flights daily[2]. The airport offers full Wi-Fi coverage and multiple executive lounges operated by both international hotel chains and local companies, providing premium services to first-class, business-class, and Priority Pass passengers[2][4]. Despite being the busiest airport in Bangladesh and a critical infrastructural asset, Dhaka Airport faces challenges in passenger comfort and facilities. It holds a 2-star rating from Skytrax, with noted issues includin
National Aviation Authorities
## Overview National Aviation Authorities (NAAs) are the regulatory bodies responsible for overseeing civil aviation within individual countries or, in some cases, groups of sovereign states[2]. Their primary mission is to establish and enforce safety standards, issue licenses, regulate operations, and ensure the safe and efficient use of national airspace[2][5]. Each NAA operates under its national government and works in coordination with international bodies like the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to harmonize global aviation standards[5]. ## Functions and Responsibilities NAAs are tasked with a broad spectrum of duties, including: - **Regulating aircraft operations, maintenance, and airworthiness** - **Certifying pilots, crew, and ground personnel** - **Overseeing airport safety and security** - **Managing aircraft registration and air traffic control** - **Investigating accidents in collaboration with independent bodies (e.g., the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board)[1]** These authorities also play a critical role in adopting and implementing new technologies, such as advanced air mobility (AAM) vehicles, drones, and sustainable aviation innovations[4][7]. ## Historical Context The concept of NAAs emerged in the early 20th century as aviation expanded and the need for standardized safety regulations became apparent. The Chicago Convention of 1944 established ICAO, which coordinates aviation standards among member states, encouraging NAAs to align with global best practices[5]. In Europe, the Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) was formed in 1970 to harmonize regulations across the continent, later succeeded by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in 2003[5]. ## Key Achievements NAAs have been instrumental in: - **Dramatically improving aviation safety** through stringent certification and oversight - **Facilitating international air travel** by aligning with ICAO standards - **Spearheading innovation**, such as the recent NAA Network’s Roadmap for AAM aircraft certificatio
