The flight had been arranged by the Airports Authority of India to transport Bhowmik from Agartala’s ILS Hospital to Kolkata for advanced treatment after her breathing difficulties worsened.
The aircraft, initially bound for Kolkata, diverted to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka when a mid‑air technical snag forced the pilots to land. It touched down safely, but the patient was immediately shifted to Kurmitola General Hospital.
Doctors at Kurmitola declared Bhowmik dead, but the official cause of death has not yet been established, according to airport sources. Investigators are assessing whether the technical issue was a contributing factor.
The incident underscores the challenges of cross‑border air medical transport in the region. Bangladesh’s Civil Aviation Authority has pledged to cooperate with Indian investigators.
Bhowmik’s colleagues at the Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport expressed deep sorrow, noting her dedication to airport operations before the accident.
The investigation will continue, with a preliminary report expected within the next 30 days, and the AAI is reviewing its emergency transport protocols.