A day of routine turned into tragedy for students and teachers at Milestone School and College in Dhaka’s Uttara suburb when a Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) training jet crashed into the campus, killing at least 19 people and injuring more than 160 others. This explainer walks you through what happened, why it matters, and what comes next.
What Happened?
At around 1:00 PM local time (07:06 GMT), an F-7 training jet belonging to the Bangladesh Air Force took off for a routine training sortie. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft suffered a mechanical failure, according to a statement by the armed forces.
The pilot, Flight Lieutenant Md. Taukir Islam, attempted to steer the plane toward a less populated area, but the aircraft tragically crashed into a two-storey school building, sparking a massive fire and widespread panic.
On the Ground: Chaos and Casualties
- The crash occurred at Milestone School and College, which caters to students aged 4 to 18.
- Eyewitnesses – teachers, students, and locals – described the crash as a sudden explosion followed by flames and thick black smoke.
- Over 50 people, including children and parents, were rushed to hospitals with severe burns.
- The pilot died in the crash, despite attempting to minimize casualties.
Photos and videos from the scene show charred rubble, twisted metal, and classrooms reduced to ashes, while emergency responders battled to pull survivors from debris.
Why Did the Jet Crash?
The Bangladesh Air Force has stated that a mechanical fault was responsible. However, an official investigation committee has been set up to determine:
- The exact cause of the failure
- Whether proper pre-flight safety protocols were followed
- If there was any delay in emergency response
The F-7 jet involved is a Chinese-made aircraft that has been used for decades by several air forces for training purposes, but questions are now being raised about its age and reliability.
Government Reaction and National Mourning
Bangladesh’s interim Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus called the crash a “moment of deep sorrow for the nation.”
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), he said:
“I wish the injured a speedy recovery and instruct all authorities, including hospitals, to deal with the situation with utmost importance.”
In honor of the victims, Bangladesh has declared a national day of mourning on Tuesday, with the national flag to be flown at half-mast across government buildings and institutions.
Why This Matters: Beyond the Numbers
- This is one of Bangladesh’s worst peacetime military aviation disasters, especially due to the high civilian death toll.
- It has raised urgent concerns about air safety, particularly the risks posed by military operations in densely populated urban areas.
- The tragedy also shines a light on the emergency preparedness of schools and hospitals in response to such rare but catastrophic events.
What Happens Next?
- The government has promised swift and transparent investigation.
- Compensation and psychological support are expected to be extended to the affected families.
- There is growing public demand to rethink flight training routes and ensure urban safety zoning around military airbases.
In Memory of the Victims From Factcheck India
As Bangladesh grieves this heartbreaking loss, the nation stands united in mourning the young lives cut short and honoring the bravery of the pilot who tried to avoid an even worse catastrophe.