Bangladesh tank blast kills two soldiers during live-fire drill

During a live-fire drill at the Hathazari Field Firing Range in Chattogram, a tank identified by observers as a Chinese-origin Type 59 detonated, killing two Bangladesh Army soldiers. An officer sustained serious injuries and was evacuated by helicopter to the Combined Military Hospital in Dhaka for advanced care. The Inter-Services Public Relations announced the incident and said the army will investigate the cause.

Bangladesh has kept the Type 59 in service for decades and is modernising its armored inventory, including upgrades to 40 T-59s and 58 T-69IIGs. The accident highlights safety concerns as the country works to extend the operational life of its aging tanks. No official statement identified the specific vehicle, but video evidence supports the Type 59 identification.