China-made tank explodes during Bangladesh army exercise, 2 soldiers killed

Two Bangladesh Army soldiers were killed and an officer was seriously injured after a Chinese-origin Type 59 tank reportedly exploded during a field firing exercise at the Hathazari Field Firing Range in Chattogram, Bangladesh on Wednesday.The accident occurred while soldiers were firing from the tank during the exercise, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR).TWO SOLDIERS KILLED, OFFICER SERIOUSLY INJUREDThe two soldiers inside the tank were killed in the accident, while a Bangladesh Army officer sustained serious injuries, The Daily Star reported.The injured officer is being airlifted to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Dhaka for advanced treatment. CHINESE-ORIGIN TYPE 59 TANK EXPLODESThe tank involved in the accident was reportedly a Chinese-origin Type 59 used by the Bangladesh Army.The explosion took place at the Hathazari Field Firing Range in Chattogram during the firing exercise. The exact cause of the accident remains unconfirmed. The ISPR said necessary steps are underway to determine the cause of the accident.No further details about what triggered the explosion were immediately available.- EndsPublished On: Sep 9, 2026 16:56 IST