Bangladesh needs a dedicated air base for training on fighter jets and conducting flight exercises, said Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Mahmud Hussain on Monday night.

Speaking to the Daily Sun following the fatal F-7 jet crash in Dhaka's Uttara area, the retired Air Force officer said the country currently lacks a separate air base specifically designed for operating and training with fighter jets.

“The Air Force needs such a base—ideally near the capital,” he said, suggesting the Arial Beel wetland in Munshiganj as a potential location.

Referring to Monday’s tragic crash, AVM Hussain said aviation accidents typically occur due to either technical faults or pilot error.

“It’s difficult to determine the exact cause of the crash until an official investigation is complete,” he noted, adding, “But I believe the pilot in this incident did his best to avoid a densely populated area.”

Recalling his own training days, the retired officer said, “Five out of 12 of my coursemates died during fighter jet training. The risks are real, and that’s why we need a safer, more controlled environment for pilot exercises.”