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Dhaka, Bangladesh – Grief and anger swept across Bangladesh following the tragic crash of a military fighter jet into Milestone School and College in the capital’s Uttara suburb, killing at least 31 people, including 25 students, and injuring over 170 others.
The fatal incident occurred during a routine training flight when a Bangladeshi F-7 aircraft reportedly developed mechanical issues shortly after takeoff. Military authorities confirmed that the pilot attempted to avoid the school campus but was unsuccessful, resulting in a catastrophic impact that engulfed the area in flames and thick smoke.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of horror and chaos. Rezaul Islam, a teacher at the school, recounted how the crash caused a massive fire, prompting immediate evacuations and emergency medical responses. "More than 50 students, aged between four and 18, were rushed to hospitals with serious injuries," he said.
Another teacher, Masud Tarik, recalled the terrifying moment: "I saw the plane strike the building directly. The next thing I knew, there was fire and smoke everywhere. Many children and parents were present."
A 10-year-old student, visibly shaken, shared, “I had just finished my exam and stepped outside when the jet hit. My best friend didn’t make it.”
As the nation mourns, public outrage continues to grow. On Tuesday, hundreds of students from Milestone and nearby institutions took to the streets, demanding accountability and justice. Demonstrators confronted government officials at the crash site, chanting, “Why did our brothers die? We demand answers!”
Protesters are calling for several urgent actions: a transparent list of the deceased and injured, financial compensation for victims' families, retirement of outdated military aircraft, and comprehensive reform of the air force’s training protocols.
Clashes erupted as students stormed the federal secretariat in Dhaka, demanding the resignation of the education adviser.
Police responded with tear gas and sound grenades, leading to the injury of at least 80 students, according to Jamuna TV.
However, Dhaka Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner Talebur Rahman stated he had no confirmed data on the injuries.
The tragic crash has cast a spotlight on the safety of military operations in civilian zones and the condition of Bangladesh’s air fleet, intensifying calls for urgent reforms and government transparency.
