IAF AIRCRAFT TOUCHES DOWN AT JESSORE IN BANGLADESH AFTER 42 YEARS

Air Commodore Anwar, air officer commanding (AOC) of the Bangladesh Air Force base at Jessore scanned the skies as he heard the sound of rotors. Shortly, the Mi-17V5 helicopter of the Indian Air Force (IAF) came into sight and the pilot sought permission to land. Barely had the chopper touched down when the AOC went ahead to greet the crew. After all, this was a new beginning. An IAF aircraft had been allowed permission to enter Bangladesh airspace and land after nearly 42 years. The last time this had happened was during the Liberation War of 1971 when Indian troops fought shoulder to shoulder with the Mukti Bahini against the Pakistan Army.

“This is certainly a new beginning. Military ties such as these help in cementing relations between nations. Normally, military aircraft aren’t allowed to enter another country’s airspace even if relations are very good. This is considered a challenge to another country’s sovereignty. Only if the level of confidence is very high are such visits allowed. India allows friendly countries to fly in military aircraft during joint exercises that are held at the Kalaikunda Air Force station in West Midnapore,” a senior IAF official said.

The Mi-17V5 was allowed into Bangladesh to pick up members of an international tribunal that is visiting India and Bangladesh to map the maritime boundary between the two countries. Apart from nine international members, there are 12 representatives from India and six from Bangladesh. In the last few days, the team members were taken around the coastal boundary adjoining Bangladesh by the Indian Coast Guard. After visiting India, the team left for Bangladesh where they held meetings and discussions with authorities. It was arranged that an IAF chopper would pick them up at Jessore on their way back. The Border Security Force (BSF) was also asked to be prepared to allow the team to enter India through Petrapole in case the IAF flight had to be scuttled due to bad weather.