India, July 23 -- Bangladesh's Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan has urged citizens not to pay attention to rumours about the Dhaka plane crash. The chief marshal's statement to reporters comes amid students' protests in the country after the Bangladesh Air Force's jet crash on July 21 that killed 31 people, mostly students.

"Please do not listen to any rumours on social media. A strong air force is essential for the sovereignty of the country. Please do not weaken this pillar of our sovereignty by spreading rumours. Like all of you, we are also heartbroken," the Air Chief was quoted as saying by the Dhaka Tribune.

Speaking to reporters after the funeral of Flight Lieutenant Towkir Islam Sagar, the pilot of the ill-fated F-7 fighter ...