Let’s remove the phrase “Pilot error” as a possible cause. I think we’ll find this a major cock-up where the fundamental problem is poor standards. Pilot error implies that they know the difference between right and wrong. The ATC transcript appears to show neither ATC nor the crew knew where they were. If I were looking to find fault I’d start looking at the money. If this was a joint US-Bangladesh operation I’d want assurances that the US side had ensured beyond all reasonable doubt that there would not be a smoking hole in the ground. How? The US had literally thousands of well qualified trainers who could advise the US side as to the competence of the pilot workforce of this operation and if not, bring them them up to standard. I do hope this worthwhile step was performed.
PM