THIRTY‑ONE KILLED AS BANGLADESHI AIR FORCE JET CRASHES INTO SCHOOL IN DHAKA
A devastating tragedy struck Dhaka on July 21, 2025, when a Bangladesh Air Force training jet crashed into Milestone School and College in the densely populated Diabari area of Uttara. The accident claimed 31 lives, including at least 25 schoolchildren, two teachers, and the aircraft’s pilot, Flight Lieutenant Mohammed Toukir Islam. Over 170 people were injured, many with severe burns and critical injuries, in what has become one of the deadliest military aviation disasters in Bangladesh’s history.
The Chengdu F‑7 BGI, a Chinese-built fighter used for training missions, had taken off from Kurmitola Air Base for a routine sortie at around 1:00 p.m. local time. Minutes into the flight, the pilot reported technical difficulties and attempted to steer the aircraft away from densely populated zones. Witnesses said the plane struggled for control before plunging directly into the school building, triggering a massive explosion and fire. Thick black smoke and the sound of screams filled the air as hundreds of students scrambled to escape.
Teachers acted heroically during the chaos. One educator, Maherin Chowdhury, reportedly saved more than 20 students before succumbing to her injuries. Emergency responders, supported by local residents and parents, rushed to the site to rescue those trapped under debris and flames. Hospitals across Dhaka were overwhelmed as ambulances ferried dozens of injured children for treatment.
In the aftermath, the government declared a national day of mourning. Interim chief adviser Muhammad Yunus pledged a transparent investigation and ordered free medical care for victims. Flags were flown at half-mast as prayers and vigils were held across the country. The Bangladesh Air Force convened a high-level inquiry committee to determine the cause of the crash, examining whether mechanical failure, maintenance lapses, or human error contributed to the disaster.
Public anger erupted swiftly. Hundreds of students and residents took to the streets, staging protests at the crash site and in front of the Secretariat building. Protesters demanded the immediate retirement of aging F‑7 jets, better safety protocols, and full disclosure of casualty figures. Many accused authorities of negligence for allowing high-risk training flights over heavily populated urban areas. The demonstrations turned emotional as parents of victims called for justice and accountability.
The tragedy has reignited debates over the continued use of outdated aircraft in the Bangladesh Air Force. The F‑7 platform, based on the Soviet-era MiG‑21 design, has a long history of accidents worldwide. Aviation experts argue that flying such jets over cities like Dhaka carries unacceptable risks, especially given the aircraft’s age and limited safety systems. Calls for modernization of the fleet and stricter flight path planning have grown louder in the wake of the crash.
International reactions poured in quickly. offered condolences and assistance, while the United Nations and regional leaders expressed grief and solidarity with Bangladesh. The crash has not only shaken the nation but also highlighted the urgent need for systemic reforms in military aviation safety.
As the investigation proceeds, the memory of the children and teachers lost has become a rallying cry for change. The Dhaka school tragedy stands as a painful reminder of the human cost when safety lapses intersect with outdated technology, and it has left a scar on a grieving nation determined to prevent such a catastrophe from ever happening again.