'India Behind Bangladesh Aircraft Crash': Pakistan's Propaganda Accounts Spread Fake News

A tragic training jet crash in Dhaka has claimed 27 lives, including 25 children, a pilot, and a teacher, after a Bangladesh Air Force FT-7BGI fighter jet experienced mechanical failure and plummeted into a school building.

Amidst the grief and recovery efforts, a wave of baseless claims accusing India of involvement in the incident has been actively spread by Pakistan-based propaganda accounts on social media.

The Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) confirmed that the FT-7BGI fighter jet took off from Kurmitola Air Base at 1:06 PM on Monday and crashed just 12 minutes later, at 1:18 PM, directly into a two-storey building at Milestone School and College in Dhaka's Uttara area. The official cause has been attributed to a mechanical failure.

The devastating impact resulted in a significant loss of life. Dr Sayedur Rahman, Chief Adviser's Special Assistant, provided an updated casualty briefing at 8 AM on Tuesday, confirming the death toll had risen to 27. He stated that among the deceased were 25 children, along with the pilot and a teacher. Additionally, 78 individuals are currently receiving treatment in various hospitals. Dr. Rahman also noted that 20 bodies have already been handed over to their respective families and appealed for prayers for the injured children, while requesting the public to avoid crowding the hospital, assuring sufficient blood donors for now, though specific negative blood types might be needed, according to a report in PTI.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, numerous social media accounts, widely identified as operating from Pakistan with a propaganda agenda, began circulating fabricated claims. These accounts falsely alleged that India was behind the crash, attempting to weave a narrative against New Delhi.

D-Intent Data, a fact-checking agency, pointed out that it is a fake news.

These allegations stand entirely baseless, with no credible, verified, or official sources lending any support to a link with India. Crucially, neither the Bangladesh government nor any of its investigative agencies have made or hinted at any such claims, with their official statements consistently pointing to mechanical failure as the cause.

Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended heartfelt condolences and solidarity to Bangladesh. In a post on X, PM Modi expressed his deep shock and sadness at the incident, particularly the loss of young students. "Our hearts go out to the bereaved families. We pray for the swift recovery of those injured," he wrote, adding, "India stands in solidarity with Bangladesh and is ready to extend all possible support and assistance."