[🇧🇩-Airforce] A trainer jet crashes, 19 people die.

[Saif]

Date of Event: Jul 21, 2025

Source : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xsfoTyU5GU

A twin seater FT-7BGI has crashed in a local school killing 19 people including the pilot. BAF bought one squadron F-7BGI in 2013. BAF has a plan to procure one squadron multirole jet fighter to augment its jet fighter fleet. But MRCA has been delayed because of dollar shortage.

 

[Saif]

BAF jet crash at Milestone school: At least 20 including children, pilot dead; 171 hospitalised

Dozens of people with burns and other injuries have been admitted to different nearby hospitals and to CMH, DMCH, and NIBPS, where they are currently receiving treatment.

www.tbsnews.net

BAF jet crash at Milestone school: At least 20 including children, pilot dead; 171 hospitalised

Dozens of people with burns and other injuries have been admitted to different nearby hospitals and to CMH, DMCH, and NIBPS, where they are currently receiving treatment.

Training aircraft crashes at the Diabari campus of Milestone College on 21 July 2025. Photo: Courtesy

Highlights:
​

• BAF training jet crashed at Milestone College's Diabari campus in Uttara​
• ​
• At least 20 dead, including children and the jet's pilot​
• ​
• Over 171 injured, many with critical burns​
• ​
• Crash caused by technical failure after takeoff​
• ​
• The jet hit the school just after classes ended​
• ​
• Fire brought under control within an hour​
• ​
• Army, BGB, and Fire Service led rescue, salvage efforts​
• ​
• Pilot ejected but succumbed to injuries at CMH​

At least 20 people, including children, were killed and more than 170 people were injured after a Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) training aircraft burst into flames after crashing into the primary school building inside the Milestone College campus at Diabari in the capital's Uttara this afternoon (21 July).

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the F-7 BGI training aircraft crashed after it took off from BAF Base Bir Uttom AK Khandker at 1:06pm. Soon after, the fighter jet faced a technical malfunction and went down.

Soon after, personnel from the Bangladesh Army, Fire Service and Civil Defence, police, and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) rushed to the scene and started working jointly to rescue the victims and douse the flames.

Firefighters reached the scene at around 1:22pm -- four to five minutes after the plane crashed between 1:10pm and 1:15pm.

Dozens of injured people were rushed to different nearby hospitals and to Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), and the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery (NIBPS), where they are receiving treatment.

Those admitted to NIBPS include victims with burn injuries ranging from 5% to 100%. Eight of them are in critical condition.

At the moment, eight injured people are admitted at the Kuwait Bangladesh Friendship Hospital, 70 at NIBPS, three at DMCH, 17 at CMH, one at Kurmitola General Hospital, 11 at Lubana General Hospital and Cardiac Centre, 60 at Uttara Adhunik Hospital, and one at Uttara Crescent Hospital, according to an ISPR statement issued at 5:25pm.

Also, it said, there are two dead bodies at NIBPS, one at DMCH, 12 at CMH, two at Kurmitola General Hospital, two at Lubana General Hospital and Cardiac Centre, and one at Uttara Adhunik Hospital.

Briefing reporters at the crash site amid the rescue operation, Fire Service Director General Brig Gen Md Jahed Kamal said that they have recovered 19 bodies from the school compound so far, and the salvage efforts are still ongoing.

Earlier, ISPR also confirmed that the aircraft's pilot, identified as Flight Lieutenant Md Towkir Islam of the BAF, had succumbed to his injuries -- taking the death toll to 19.

Towkir had managed to bail out when the plane went down. With critical injuries, he was taken to the CMH, where he passed away while undergoing treatment.

According to the Fire Service, nine firefighting units from Uttara, Tongi, Pallabi, Kurmitola, Mirpur, and Purbachal fire stations brought the fire under control at around 2:45pm, while six ambulances transported victims to the hospitals.

Fire Service DG Jahed Kamal said, "The fire has been fully extinguished, and a crane has been brought in to remove the rear section of the aircraft from the wreckage."

"The total extent of the damage will be assessed and announced after the completion of rescue operations," he said.

According to eyewitnesses, the body of one person -- burned beyond recognition -- was recovered from the scene soon after the crash.

"We transported some of the injured with burns onto rickshaws and vans. Their clothes were ripped apart, torn, and some even were walking towards rescue vehicles with burn injuries on their bodies," said Nuruzzaman Mridha, a teacher of the institute.

Further details regarding all the deceased from the authorities concerned are yet to be available. Fire Service DG Jahed said, "We have not yet been able to identify the deceased individuals. The investigation is ongoing."

Naimul Hasan Adit, a first-year arts student of Milestone College, saw the fighter jet first hit Building No 7, which houses classes of the college students. "Then it crashed into the primary school building, around 100-150 meters away from us.

"The pilot ejected from the plane with a parachute and got down while the primary school building caught fire," he told TBS.

Training aircraft crashes at the Diabari campus of Milestone College on 21 July 2025. Photo: Courtesy

The building on which the aircraft crashed hosted classes for children from playgroup to grades 1-8 and a canteen, according to students.

Talking to The Business Standard, Sabbir Ahmed, a cleaner at a nearby Dhaka Metro Rail station who witnessed the incident, said, "I saw two aircraft flying. One flew away, but the other looked like it was in trouble.

"It tried to turn to line up with the [Dhaka airport] runway, but while turning at a low altitude, it hit a 10-12-storey building on the Milestone College campus and then crashed into the two-storey primary school building."

A firefighter, currently involved in the rescue operations, told TBS that many students sustained burn injuries -- from minor to critical -- after the aircraft crashed and caused the fire.

Photo: Screengrab

According to witnesses, the aircraft crashed into the building just as students were coming after classes ended and the school day was over.

Fire Service DG Jahed said the first floor of the building, in which the plane crashed, housed classrooms for third and fourth-grade students, while the second floor contained second and fifth-grade classrooms, the principal's office, a meeting room, and a coaching centre.

The official said that although school had ended at the time of the crash, some students were still present near the teachers' room, and it is believed a few parents may have been with them.​

 

[Krishna with Flute]

A twin seater FT-7BGI has crashed in a local school killing 19 people including the pilot. BAF bought one squadron F-7BGI in 2013. BAF has a plan to procure one squadron multirole jet fighter to augment its jet fighter fleet. But MRCA has been delayed because of dollar shortage.

Very unfortunate. RIP.

 

[Saif]

25 in critical condition after Uttara plane crash: CA’s Special Assistant

At least 25 people are in critical condition following the crash of a Bangladesh Air Force training aircraft at Milestone School and College in Uttara, according to a preliminary assessment. Syedur Rahman, special assistant to the chief adviser, told reporters at the National Institute of Burn and

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

25 in critical condition after Uttara plane crash: CA’s Special Assistant

FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Jul 21, 2025 23:13
Updated :
Jul 21, 2025 23:13

Firefighters and army members work next to the wreckage of an air force training aircraft after it crashed into Milestone College campus, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Jul 21, 2025. Photo : REUTERS/Stringer

For all latest news, follow The Financial Express Google News channel.
At least 25 people are in critical condition following the crash of a Bangladesh Air Force training aircraft at Milestone School and College in Uttara, according to a preliminary assessment.

Syedur Rahman, special assistant to the chief adviser, told reporters at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery around 8:30pm on Monday that 88 people have been admitted so far. Of them, 25 were said to be in critical condition.​

 

[Saif]

Fire service wraps up rescue operation in Uttara’s aircraft crash

The Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD) has announced to complete the rescue operation tonight after recovery of the bodies and rescuing the injured people following a Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) FT-7 BGI fighter aircraft crashed into a building of Milestone School and College in the capital&rsquo

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Fire service wraps up rescue operation in Uttara’s aircraft crash

BSS
Published :
Jul 21, 2025 22:48
Updated :
Jul 21, 2025 22:48

The Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD) has announced to complete the rescue operation tonight after recovery of the bodies and rescuing the injured people following a Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) FT-7 BGI fighter aircraft crashed into a building of Milestone School and College in the capital’s Uttara area, leaving 20 killed and 171 injured.

“We have completed the rescue operation at 8:30pm today,” officer-in-charge, media cell of the FSCD Md Shajahan Sikder told BSS Monday night.

But a unit of the FSCD was present at the occurrence site till removing the debris of the crashed aircraft, he said, adding that the team had returned to the work station at 9:10pm.

The FSCD started the rescue operation at 1:22pm after they had received the news of the plane crash at 1:18 in the afternoon.

The FSCD rescued 116 injured people and 19 bodies from the place of occurrence.
A total of 186 personnel of the FSCD had been entrusted with the task of completing the rescue operation.

At least 20 people including the pilot were killed and 171 injured, said the ISPR press release.

“Twenty people including Flight Lieutenant Toukir Islam have so far been killed and 171 others injured in the crash,” said the release.

The aircraft crash took place due to mechanical fault (the details of which will be informed after investigation) after taking off from the Bangladesh Air Force Base AK Khandaker in Kurmitola at 01:06pm Monday as part of a regular training, the ISPR said.​

 

[Saif]

BNP to hoist black flags, hold nationwide prayers Tuesday for Uttara plane crash victims

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) will hoist black flags and organise prayers across the country on Tuesday to mourn the tragic deaths of students from Milestone School in the Uttara plane crash. The announcement came through a press release signed by the party's Senior Joint Secretary Gener

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

BNP to hoist black flags, hold nationwide prayers Tuesday for Uttara plane crash victims

UNB
Published :
Jul 21, 2025 22:25
Updated :
Jul 21, 2025 22:25

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) will hoist black flags and organise prayers across the country on Tuesday to mourn the tragic deaths of students from Milestone School in the Uttara plane crash.

The announcement came through a press release signed by the party's Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.

According to the release, black flags will be flown at all BNP offices nationwide, including the central office in Nayapaltan.

The party will also holdmilad and doa mahfilsin Dhaka and other districts to pray for the departed souls and the recovery of those injured.

The central programme will take place at 11:30 am at the BNP's Nayapaltan office, where senior leaders, including the party's Secretary General, will attend.​

 

[Lulldapull]

This makes no fukking sense at all.

What on earth can an F-7 do against anyone other than like talibunny or Sudani tribals down south near da Congo border bhai?

Is Bangladesh really this isstoopid to keep investing in traditional legacy military like Pakistan?

We know Pakistan and AL-Turkiya are chutiya muzlim no? with zero capabilities........Why is Bangladesh also becoming chutiya?

This makes no sense no?

 

[Saif]

Uttara aircraft crash: Bangladesh’s global friends mourn, offer support

Bangladesh’s international friends on Monday mourned and expressed solidarity with Bangladesh as a Bangladesh Air Force F‑7 BGI training aircraft crashed into the Milestone School and College campus in Uttara, killing 20 people, including the pilot and injuring over 171. India, Japan, the Eu

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Uttara aircraft crash: Bangladesh’s global friends mourn, offer support

Published :
Jul 21, 2025 21:02
Updated :
Jul 21, 2025 21:02

Bangladesh’s international friends on Monday mourned and expressed solidarity with Bangladesh as a Bangladesh Air Force F‑7 BGI training aircraft crashed into the Milestone School and College campus in Uttara, killing 20 people, including the pilot and injuring over 171.

India, Japan, the European Union (EU), Switzerland and Pakistan have issued separate messages expressing solidarity with Bangladesh, UNB reports.

“Deeply shocked and saddened at the loss of lives, many of them young students, in a tragic air crash in Dhaka. Our hearts go out to the bereaved families,” said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a message.

He said they pray for the swift recovery of those injured. “India stands in solidarity with Bangladesh and is ready to extend all possible support and assistance.”

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said they are deeply saddened at the loss of precious lives due to the crash of an air force jet over an educational institution in Dhaka.

“Offer heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wish the injured a speedy recovery. My deepest sympathies are with the government, its leadership and the people of Bangladesh in this hour of grief,” said in a message shared on X.

Chargé d’Affaires ad interim, the Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh Naoki Takahashi said, “We stand in solidarity with Bangladesh during this challenging time, commending the efforts of the authorities, hospitals, and others in handling the situation with the utmost care.”

The Japanese diplomat said they sincerely hope for the swift recovery of those injured.

“On behalf of the Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh, I would like to extend my deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the victims of the tragic crash of a Bangladesh Air Force aircraft at the Milestone School and College campus in Uttara area of Dhaka,” Takahashi said, adding that, “Our thoughts are also with the bereaved families, friends and all those who have been injured.”

He said Milestone School and College holds a special significance, having recently collaborated with JICA in conducting the First Peace Flower Essay Contest.

The EU Delegation in Bangladesh is “deeply saddened” by the crash of a Bangladesh Air Force F‑7 training jet into Milestone School and College in Uttara.

“Our hearts are with the victims, their families, and all those affected,” said the EU Embassy in a message.

The Embassy of Switzerland in Dhaka said, “We are saddened by the tragic crash of a training aircraft into a school building in Dhaka. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families and all those affected.”

Flight Lieutenant Mohammad Towkir Islam, pilot of the aircraft, tried to steer the FT-7 BGI fighter aircraft away from densely populated areas and toward a sparsely inhabited zone, said ISPR.

Despite his efforts, ISPR said, the aircraft tragically crashed into a two-storey building of Milestone School and College in the Diabari area of Dhaka.​

 

[Saif]

Metro rail depot opened for ambulances carrying victims of Milestone School jet crash

To expedite medical evacuations, ambulances transporting victims of the Bangladesh Air Force jet crash at Milestone School and College in Dhaka’s Diabari are being allowed to use the metro rail depot. The Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) confirmed the arrangement in a media stateme

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Metro rail depot opened for ambulances carrying victims of Milestone School jet crash

Published :
Jul 21, 2025 20:52
Updated :
Jul 21, 2025 20:52

To expedite medical evacuations, ambulances transporting victims of the Bangladesh Air Force jet crash at Milestone School and College in Dhaka’s Diabari are being allowed to use the metro rail depot.

The Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) confirmed the arrangement in a media statement issued by its public relations office on Monday.

A metro rail compartment has been reserved to assist in transporting the injured, it added.

Vehicles from the metro rail’s transport pool have also been deployed near the Diabari Gol Chattar, adjacent to the school, to support the emergency response.

At least 19 people have died, while more than 50 students have suffered injuries and burns in the crash, reports bdnews24.com.

An F-7 BGI training jet crashed shortly after takeoff around 1:06pm on Monday, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The plane burst into flames right after the crash. A plume of thick smoke could be seen from quite a distance.

Eight Fire Service units rushed to the scene to put out the flames.

Shah Bulbul, a Milestone School and College spokesman, said: “The aircraft hit the gate of one of our academic buildings where classes were in session. Many were burned in the fire.”

Several victims were carried out on stretchers and taken away by ambulance.

Some were initially admitted to Uttara Crescent Hospital, Uttara Adhunik Medical College Hospital, and Kurmitola General Hospital.

Most burn victims were referred to the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery for specialised treatment.

Brig Gen Muhammad Zahed Kamal, director general of the Fire Service and Civil Defence, told reporters at the scene around 4:30pm that rescue workers had recovered 19 bodies from the rubble and that more than 50 injured and burnt people have been sent to hospitals.​

 

[Saif]

CA Yunus assures probe into aircraft crash, urges all not to crowd hospitals

Assuring an investigation into the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) aircraft that crashed into a building of Milestone School and College in Uttara area, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday urged all not to unnecessarily crowd the hospitals where the injured are being treated. "We will def

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

CA Yunus assures probe into aircraft crash, urges all not to crowd hospitals

UNB
Published :
Jul 21, 2025 23:28
Updated :
Jul 22, 2025 01:02

Assuring an investigation into the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) aircraft that crashed into a building of Milestone School and College in Uttara area, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday urged all not to unnecessarily crowd the hospitals where the injured are being treated.

"We will definitely carry out an investigation. But an investigation will not bring them (the victims of the aircraft crash) back. We have taken steps to ensure proper treatment," he said in a video message, expressing deep shock over the tragic incident.

The Chief Adviser noted that people have been crowding at the hospitals, saying, "We request everyone not to gather at the hospitals. It is not good for those who are injured. Their bodies are already weak and struggling to recover. If we crowd around them, we cannot be sure that germs from us might not spread to them."

That is why, Prof Yunus said, he is praying for the injured from a distance.

"I have no words. I don't even know how to begin. Like me, people across the country are stunned and in shock today. No one of us could have imagined such a tragedy. It was beyond anyone's thoughts. And yet, we were suddenly forced to accept this unthinkable reality," the Chief Adviser said, starting his speech in an emotional, choked voice.

Referring to the horrific incident at Milestone School and College in Uttara, he said the training aircraft crashed onto the children, burning many of them in fire.

"What answer will we give to their parents? What will we say to them? We can't even answer ourselves. The innocent faces of children we never knew keep flashing before our eyes," an emotional Yunus said.

He said the entire nation is stunned and speechless. "Even the word 'sorrow' seems too little to describe what we are feeling. The shock of this tragedy hasn't worn off yet. Bodies are still arriving at hospitals. Children are still dying in hospitals. Parents are still desperately searching, asking where their sons or daughters are. Some may never recognise them again."

"The bodies we're seeing - how can anyone tell which one is their own child? There's no way to trace them. These children were ours -all of ours. Suddenly, they are gone forever," the Chief Adviser said.

He extended his deepest sympathy to the parents, families and loved ones of all those killed and injured in the crash incident.

"Every child in Bangladesh is your child too. We will try to find some comfort in our hearts, and we are all sharing this grief with you. The entire nation stands with you in this moment of sorrow," Prof Yunus said.

He mentioned that the government has already announced a state mourning on Tuesday to pay tribute to the victims.

"We will remember them together. We will pray for peace for their souls. From today, we ask everyone to pray for them, for their forgiveness and eternal peace. May Allah grant you peace. May Allah bring peace to everyone in our nation who has been devastated by this tragedy. We are all praying for them," he added.​

 

[Saif]

Pilot tried his best to minimise civilian casualties and damage: ISPR on Uttara plane crash

Pilot of the crashed plane, Flight Lieutenant Toukir Islam, made his highest effort to take the aircraft toward a less populated area to minimise civilian casualties and damage, said a media release of Inter Service Public Relation (ISPR). However, the jet tragically crashed into a two-storey buil

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Pilot tried his best to minimise civilian casualties and damage: ISPR on Uttara plane crash

Published :
Jul 21, 2025 19:35
Updated :
Jul 21, 2025 19:37

Pilot of the crashed plane, Flight Lieutenant Toukir Islam, made his highest effort to take the aircraft toward a less populated area to minimise civilian casualties and damage, said a media release of Inter Service Public Relation (ISPR).

However, the jet tragically crashed into a two-storey building of Milestone School and College in the Diabari area of Dhaka, leaving 19 people killed and 164 injured, UNB reports citing the release.

The Bangladesh Air Force FT-7 BGI fighter jet crashed on Monday at 1:06 pm shortly after take-off from BAF Base in Kurmitola, Dhaka, as part of a routine training exercise.

The aircraft reportedly experienced a technical malfunction, the details of which will be determined through an official investigation.

According to initial reports, 19 people, including the pilot, were killed and 164 others were injured, said ISPR.

The injured are being swiftly transferred to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Dhaka and nearby medical facilities with the assistance of Bangladesh Air Force helicopters and ambulances, it said.

The Bangladesh Air Force has expressed deep sorrow over the incident and is actively engaged in ensuring medical treatment and all possible support for the victims.

As the Chief of Air Staff of Bangladesh Air Force Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan is currently abroad on an official visit, the Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Administration), senior Air Force officials and rescue teams have reached the crash site.

The Chief of Army Staff, Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division and senior military and government officials were also present at the spot.

Personnel from the Army, Air Force, Police, RAB, and Fire Service are conducting joint rescue operations at the crash site and making every effort to stabilise the situation.

A high-level inquiry committee from the Air Force, has already been formed to investigate the reason behind the accident.​

 

[Saif]

Uttara plane crash: cultural figures express shock, grief over Milestone School tragedy

Prominent Bangladeshi cultural figures have expressed deep sorrow and outrage following Monday's tragic plane crash that struck Milestone School and College in Dhaka's Uttara area, killing at least 19 people and injuring over 100, many of them children. The crash, which occurred when a Bangla

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Uttara plane crash: cultural figures express shock, grief over Milestone School tragedy

UNB
Published :
Jul 21, 2025 22:22
Updated :
Jul 21, 2025 22:22

Prominent Bangladeshi cultural figures have expressed deep sorrow and outrage following Monday's tragic plane crash that struck Milestone School and College in Dhaka's Uttara area, killing at least 19 people and injuring over 100, many of them children.

The crash, which occurred when a Bangladesh Air Force F‑7 BGI training jet plummeted into the school compound, has sent shockwaves across the country. As emergency services continue to rescue and treat victims, celebrities from various sectors have turned to social media to share condolences, demand accountability, and amplify emergency appeals.

Renowned filmmaker and Prime Minister's Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki described the incident as "a tragedy on a different scale." In a Facebook post, he wrote: "Already 16 people are confirmed to be dead! Many are still in critical condition! Most of them are young kids."

Popular actor Arifin Shuvoo offered a heartfelt prayer in Bengali, saying, "May Allah grant us the strength to endure such tearful days. Prayers for every soul fighting between life and death." His message was accompanied by the hashtag #PrayersForMilestone.

Singer and journalist Elita Karim wrote, "Praying for the children, teachers and their families," followed by a somber emoticon and the hashtag #UttaraMilestone.

Musician Bappa Mazumder kept his message short but powerful, simply writing: "Prayers for the little children."

Many celebrities have also been playing an active role in circulating urgent information. Actress Q Nawshaba Ahmed, Elita Karim,

singer Ahmed Hasan Sunny, filmmaker Mabrur Rashid Bannah, dancer Ridy Sheikh, singer Joy Shahriar, food vlogger Mahathir Muhammad Fahim, cartoonist Morshed Mishu and others have been consistently sharing appeals for blood donations, updates on missing students, and hospital needs through their platforms.

Acclaimed director Ashfaque Nipun posted, "Prayers for the deceased and the victims of the Milestone School and College plane crash. May Allah ease their pain."

Popular host Md Golam Kebria Sarkar, widely known as RJ Kebria, shared a harrowing account: "Oh Allah! I can't take this. Those children were supposed to return home from school. Some are now wandering with burnt clothes, traumatized, seeking help. These things are unbearable. Please protect our children."

Cartoonist duo Manik N Ratan expressed their anguish, stating, "Every time I look at news of the plane crash, my heart breaks again. I simply can't bear it."

Fashion designer Habiba Akter Shurovy urged followers to act responsibly in the wake of the tragedy. "Only share posts asking for help-blood, missing persons, verified updates," she wrote.

She strongly condemned exploitative content creation, saying, "Those posting videos with burnt children's images and voiceovers to earn views are shameless. This trend must stop to preserve dignity during national crises."

One of the most emotionally charged reactions came from content creator and actor Salman Mohammad Muqtadir. In a lengthy post, he reflected on what he called the country's "cursed loop" of neglect and tragedy.

"I'm trying my best to keep silent," he wrote. "This country is cursed with its own people. Fighter planes crashing over schools calling them 'training' planes... What happened today could have been easily avoided. But we cry, regret, and move on. We deserve the death we get because we allow the country to run like this."

The collective grief and public outcry reflect not just sorrow, but growing frustration over recurring systemic failures. Many cultural figures are calling for immediate accountability and long-term structural reform to ensure such tragedies are never repeated.

The government has declared Tuesday, July 22, as a day of national mourning, with flags flown at half-mast and special prayers to be held across the country.​

 

[Saif]

Rizvi questions BAF flight operations over densely populated Uttara area

In the wake of the tragic plane crash in Dhaka's Uttara area, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Monday raised questions over how a Bangladesh Air Force training aircraft was allowed to operate over such a densely populated area. "This is a densely populated area. Operating a

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Rizvi questions BAF flight operations over densely populated Uttara area

UNB
Published :
Jul 21, 2025 21:44
Updated :
Jul 21, 2025 21:44

In the wake of the tragic plane crash in Dhaka's Uttara area, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Monday raised questions over how a Bangladesh Air Force training aircraft was allowed to operate over such a densely populated area.

"This is a densely populated area. Operating a training flight to learn to fly in such places seems mysterious to me," he said, talking to reporters after visiting the injured at Uttara Adhunik Medical College Hospital around 5pm.

Rizvi also said running flight training in such a crowded area is deeply concerning.

He said such a training flight should be operated in open and wide areas like Jashore or Cox's Bazar, where there's sea and space. "I just cannot accept training flights in such a crowded residential area," the BNP leader said.

"I may not know the technical or navigational aspects, but what I saw with my own eyes was so many houses, people all around. So, It doesn't make sense to train pilots here," he observed.

The BNP leader said the government and administration have serious responsibilities in this regard. "If they neglect, people's lives will continue to be at risk."

Rizvi also pointed out the need for proper urban planning around airports. "There should be a clear plan for what kind of residential areas are allowed near airports. From what I see, this neighbourhood wasn't developed with any planning. Such dense housing should not exist in this area."

He said BNP leaders and activists have been asked to provide all-out support to the victims as per the instructions of Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. "We are helping with treatment, donating blood, and even suspending some party programmes in solidarity with the victims,"

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), at least 20 people, including the aircraft's pilot, were killed when the training aircraft crashed into a building of Milestone School and College in Uttara earlier in the day.​

 

[Saif]

Technical malfunction appeared before crash-landing: ISPR

The aircraft which crash-landed on a two-storey building of Milestone School this afternoon was a FT-7 BGI fighter jet. The aircraft faced some technical malfaction after taking off from the AK Khandokar air base of Bangladesh Air Force as part of regular training. The Inter Services Public...

en.prothomalo.com

Technical malfunction appeared before crash-landing: ISPR
Staff Correspondent Dhaka
Published: 21 Jul 2025, 20: 21

The training fighter jet crashed into a two-storey building of the Milestone School and College. Sazid Hossain

The aircraft which crash-landed on a two-storey building of Milestone School this afternoon was a FT-7 BGI fighter jet.

The aircraft faced some technical malfaction after taking off from the AK Khandokar air base of Bangladesh Air Force as part of regular training.

The Inter Services Public Relations Directorate disclosed this in a press release.

The Fire Service and Civil Defence learnt about the crash-landing around 1:08 pm. At least 19 people, including the pilot, were reported dead in the incident and 164 sustained serious burn injuries.

The ISPR and the fire service confirmed the figures. However, the identities of the deceased are yet to be confirmed. However, the victims are mostly children and students of Milestone School.

The ISPR said, “To mitigate the situation and avoid major casualties, the pilot, Flight Lieutenant Md Toukir Islam, made every effort to divert the aircraft away from densely populated areas towards a more sparsely inhabited location. Unfortunately, the aircraft crashed into a two-storey building of Milestone School and College in the Diabari area of Dhaka.”

It further said, this unexpected accident has resulted in the tragic deaths of 19 individuals, including the pilot, and injuries to 164 others. All injured persons are being swiftly transferred to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) and other nearby hospitals for necessary treatment, with the support of Bangladesh Air Force helicopters and ambulances.

The release also read, the Bangladesh Air Force is deeply saddened by this tragic incident and is actively engaged in providing full medical care and support to those affected. As the Chief of Air Staff is currently abroad on an official visit, the Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Administration), senior officers of the Air Force, and rescue teams are present at the crash site.

The Air Force has already formed a top-level committee to investigate the reason for the crash-landing, the ISPR press realse said.​

 

[Saif]

What we know so far about the Uttara aircraft crash

Different details about the crash of the Bangladesh Air Force training aircraft in front of a building of the Milestone School and College in Dhaka’s Uttara are coming to light. Information is still coming in now.

en.prothomalo.com

What we know so far about the Uttara aircraft crash
Staff Correspondent Dhaka
Published: 21 Jul 2025, 20: 10

A training aircraft of the Bangladesh Air Force crashed into a building of Milestone School and College in Uttara, DhakaSazid Hossain

Different details about the crash of the Bangladesh Air Force training aircraft in front of a building of the Milestone School and College in Dhaka’s Uttara are coming to light. Information is still coming in now.

Prothom Alo is collecting information from official sources such as the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Fire Service, hospital authorities, and so on.

In addition to that, Prothom Alo correspondents are sending updates from the crash site and the hospital, while photojournalists are capturing images from the scene.

What Prothom Alo has learned so far about the incident-
a. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the aircraft took off at 1:06pm today, Monday. It was a Bangladesh Air Force aircraft of FT-7 BGI model. Notably, it’s a training fighter jet manufactured in China. The Fire Service reported that the aircraft crashed into a building of Milestone School and College at 1:18pm.

The damaged building after the crash Sazid Hossain

b. Eyewitnesses said the plane crashed in front of a two-storey building of Milestone School, which is used for classes. Mahim Hasan Siam, a class-twelve student and eyewitness, told Prothom Alo that the building is named ‘Project-2’ and contains a total of 16 classrooms and four teachers’ rooms across both floors.

Classes of primary-level students from class 1 to class 5 were held in this building. The plane crashed in front of the classrooms used by class 3 and class 4 students. Students also said that after regular school hours, students from class 6 to class 8 attended tuition classes in the building.

c. Brigadier General Mohammad Zahed Kamal, director general of Fire Service and Civil Defence, visited the crash site around 4:45pm and stated that 19 people had been confirmed dead, and at least 50 others were injured.

Several burn victims were rushed to the National Burn Institute Prothom Alo

d. At 5:00pm, ISPR reported 18 fatalities and 164 injuries. Later, ISPR confirmed that the pilot of the aircraft has also died, raising the total death toll to 19.

e. Following the crash, many parents and relatives gathered at the college campus, searching desperately for their children. Lucky Akter, a parent present at the scene around 3:00pm, told Prothom Alo that she managed to find her elder child but had not yet located her younger one.

f. Burn victims were rushed in rounds to the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery. According to ISPR, 70 patients were taken there for treatment. Physicians reported, many of them were in critical condition.

g. The pilot of the aircraft, Flight Lieutenant Md Tawkir Islam, has died. A source confirmed the news of his death to Prothom Alo.

h. An emergency hotline has been activated at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery- 01949043697. The Milestone School authorities have appealed for blood donations. This was announced on loudspeakers at the crash site.

Parents and families of Milestone School and College students are thronging the college campus looking for their children Prothom Alo

i. A special Metro Rail coach has been reserved for transporting the injured. It is the coach just after the one designated for women.

j. Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus expressed deep sorrow and condolences over the deaths and injuries caused by the aircraft crash. Chief adviser’s press wing announced that a one-day national mourning has been declared on Tuesday in this incident.

k. Leaders from various political parties and organisations including BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman, and NCP Convenor Md Nahid Islam have expressed their condolences over the loss of lives and injuries.

l. The chief adviser’s press wing has released a list of emergency contact numbers for locating missing schoolchildren:

Military Rescue Brigade: 01769024202

CMH Burn Unit: 01769016019

CMH Emergency: 01769013311

Milestone School Admin Officer: 01814774132

Vice Principal: 01771111766

National Emergency Service: 999 (which will connect to burn units through the police emergency cell).​