Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat. File Photo

DHAKA, Sept 1, 2026 (BSS) - A five-member investigation committee has been 
formed to ascertain the cause of Monday night's accident at Hazrat Shahjalal 
International Airport (HSIA) that left three Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) 
personnel dead and four others injured.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat disclosed this to 
journalists today after inspecting the accident site at the airport's under-
construction Third Terminal.

The committee, headed by Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) Deputy 
Director Nazrul, will investigate why and how the accident occurred, he said.

Millat said the actual cause of the accident would be determined through the 
investigation while noting that preliminary observations suggested driving 
error or excessive speed could have been a factor.

"From what we have heard and seen, my preliminary impression is that the 
accident may have occurred due to an error on the part of the driver," he 
said.

Explaining his preliminary assessment after inspecting the site, the minister 
said the vehicle might have been travelling at excessive speed while 
approaching a turn.

"I think the vehicle was travelling at a high speed and the driver could not 
control it. He was supposed to turn right but failed to make the turn," 
Millat said.

The minister, however, stressed that further details surrounding the accident 
would emerge from the investigation report.

Following his inspection, he also directed the authorities to take immediate 
protective measures around the underpass and other potentially vulnerable 
areas of the Third Terminal.

"Once the Third Terminal opens, many people may come here out of curiosity 
and look down from this area while visiting the terminal," he added.

Noting that elderly people and children would also visit the terminal, Millat 
said protective measures should be put in place to eliminate any risk of 
people falling from the area.

"We issued these instructions today, and I believe the Civil Aviation 
Authority will carry out the work as soon as possible," he said.
Three BAF personnel were killed and four others injured late Monday when a 
pickup van carrying them fell from an elevated roadway at the under-
construction Third Terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

The minister said the funeral prayers of those killed had been completed, 
while the injured were receiving treatment.

Before visiting the accident site, Millat attended the Namaz-e-Janaza of the 
deceased BAF personnel. 

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the accident 
occurred at around 10:20 pm on August 31 while the BAF personnel were 
performing routine duty at the terminal.

The injured were taken to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) for treatment.