27 July, 2025
bangladesh-air-force-jet-crash-at-school-leaves-19-dead-over-100-injured

At least 19 people have died and more than 100 others were injured after a Bangladeshi air force training jet crashed into a school campus in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. The tragic incident occurred at Milestone School and College in the northern suburb of Uttara, causing widespread panic and devastation.

According to a doctor at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, more than 50 individuals, including children and adults, were rushed to the hospital with severe burns. The military has confirmed that one of its aircraft was involved in the crash.

Scene of Devastation

Footage from the scene reveals a massive fire and a thick plume of smoke billowing from the school premises. Witnesses described the horrifying moments following the crash. Rezaul Islam, a teacher at the college, recounted seeing the plane “directly” hit the building. Another teacher, Masud Tarik, told Reuters, “When I looked back, I only saw fire and smoke… There were many guardians and kids here.”

A student also reported witnessing the impact, stating that the plane hit the building “right in front of my eyes.” The Bangladesh Air Force confirmed that the aircraft involved was an F-7 BGI training jet, which took off at 13:06 local time (0706 GMT).

Emergency Response and Investigation

The country’s fire service quickly mobilized, deploying nine units to the scene along with six ambulances. Muhammad Yunus, the leader of Bangladesh’s interim government, has assured the public that “necessary measures” will be taken to investigate the cause of the incident and provide assistance to those affected.

“This is a moment of deep sorrow for the nation. I wish the injured a speedy recovery and instruct all authorities, including the hospitals concerned, to deal with the situation with utmost importance,” Yunus stated in a post on X.

Historical Context and Safety Concerns

This tragic accident brings to light ongoing concerns about aviation safety in Bangladesh. The country has faced several aviation incidents in the past, prompting calls for improved safety measures and more rigorous training protocols for military and civilian pilots alike.

Experts suggest that the age and maintenance of aircraft play a critical role in ensuring safety. The F-7 BGI, a Chinese-built aircraft, has been in service for several years, raising questions about its operational reliability. Aviation analyst Ahsan Habib noted, “While the F-7 is a capable aircraft, its maintenance and the training of pilots are crucial to preventing such tragedies.”

Implications and Future Steps

The crash has sparked a national debate on the adequacy of current aviation safety standards. The government is expected to conduct a thorough investigation, examining both the technical aspects of the aircraft and the procedural protocols followed during training flights.

Meanwhile, the families of those affected are grappling with the immediate aftermath of the disaster. Community support and counseling services are being organized to help them cope with the loss and trauma.

As Bangladesh mourns this tragic event, the focus now shifts to ensuring such incidents are prevented in the future through stringent safety measures and comprehensive investigations. The nation awaits the findings of the official inquiry, hoping for answers and improvements to prevent a recurrence of such a devastating event.