The Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) today said at the a press conference that the fighter jet airbase in Dhaka is a strategic necessity and cited that many capitals around the world also maintain operational airbases.
“Fighter aircraft cannot operate without certain key facilities — runway, air traffic control, fuel, and maintenance setup. All of these exist in Dhaka,” said Air Commodore Shahidul Islam, director of air operations, at a press briefing organised by the BAF.
“Strategic necessity dictates the presence of the airbase in the capital. We conduct training with fighter jets from here as well. This is done following the standards and procedures of the Air Force,” he said.
“In our case, it is strategic necessity. Dhaka’s airbase is not a mere camp; it has a runway, control tower, fuel facilities, maintenance system, and other infrastructure needed to operate fighter jets. From here, we carry out regular training of our fighter aircraft, which we do in accordance with the standards and procedures of the Air Force,” he said.
Shahidul also said that dual-seater jets are used for training purposes, while single-seater jets are designated for combat missions. “We are conducting essential combat training to maintain preparedness for any potential conflict,” he added.
