A Nation in Shock
In a harrowing incident that has plunged Bangladesh into mourning, a Bangladesh Air Force training jet crashed into Milestone School and College in Dhaka’s Uttara area on Monday afternoon. The crash killed at least 19 people, including 16 children, two teachers, and the pilot, Flight Lieutenant Mohammed Toukir Islam. Over 70 others were injured, many sufferings severe burns, with victims rushed to six hospitals across the capital.
The Chinese-made F-7BGI fighter jet had taken off for a routine training mission at 1:06 PM. Within minutes, it spiraled out of control and slammed into the school while classes were in session. The aircraft struck the heart of the campus, sparking a fire and widespread panic.
Chaos and Carnage at Milestone School
Eyewitnesses described a terrifying scene. Television footage and videos circulating on social media showed a column of thick black smoke rising from the crash site. Emergency responders and bystanders scrambled to pull victims from the rubble as fire engulfed classrooms.
One disturbing clip showed the wrecked jet engine lodged amid classroom debris, while another showed people trying to douse the flames with buckets of water. A third, deeply moving video captured an injured man — his clothes tattered, face blackened by smoke — being helped away from the scene, symbolizing the scale of human suffering.
A student, Rafiqa Taha, who was not at school during the crash, expressed her horror:
“I was terrified watching videos on TV… My God! It’s my school.”
The institution, which hosts around 2,000 students from primary to Class XII, was reportedly conducting tests and regular classes when the tragedy struck.
Immediate Aftermath and National Mourning
Bangladesh’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, conveyed his condolences, calling the tragedy “a moment of profound pain for the nation.” In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he added:
“The loss suffered by the Air Force, the students, parents, teachers, and staff are irreparable.”
In response, the government declared a one-day state mourning on Tuesday, with flags flown at half-mast and prayers held across the country. Yunus also announced a full investigation into the incident, with instructions to provide the best possible medical care to the injured.
“If needed, doctors will be brought from abroad,” said his advisor, Asif Nazrul, adding that local hospitals had been equipped for emergency care.
F-7 Jets and Safety Concerns
The F-7 BGI jet involved in the crash is a Chinese-built variant of the Soviet-era MiG-21 and has long been used by Bangladesh’s Air Force for training purposes. However, concerns have periodically been raised about the aircraft’s safety record, especially during low-altitude training missions.
A similar model of the jet was involved in a crash in Myanmar, raising fresh questions about the viability of continuing with older-generation aircraft for training in densely populated areas.
A Wake-Up Call
This tragic incident is more than an aviation mishap — it is a devastating blow to a community and a wake-up call for aviation safety, particularly in urban regions. The grief of the affected families, the shock of students and teachers, and the trauma etched into the nation’s consciousness will not fade easily.
As Bangladesh mourns, the focus must now shift to accountability, safety reform, and support for victims and families. Milestone School and College — once a place of learning — has now become a symbol of sorrow. The nation stands united in grief, hoping never to witness such a catastrophe again.
(With agency inputs)
