In a truly heart-wrenching moment that transcends the usual boundaries of sport, the entire Bangladesh sports fraternity has united in an outpouring of profound grief and solidarity following the tragic air crash at the Milestone College premises in Uttara today. The incident, which saw a Bangladesh Air Force F-7 aircraft crash into the college, resulting in at least one fatality and over 100 injuries, has cast a sombre shadow across the nation, prompting a deeply empathetic response from athletes and sporting bodies alike.
The swift and unequivocal expressions of sorrow from the country's leading sports organisations underscore the depth of this national tragedy. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), in a solemn press release, conveyed its "deep shock at the casualties from the tragic air crash near Milestone College in Dhaka."
Their message extended "deepest condolences to the families of the deceased," with prayers and thoughts going out to "all those affected in this devastating incident.' In observance of National Mourning Day, and in remembrance and honour of the victims of the Milestone Air Crash Tragedy, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) implemented several measures yesterday at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium and all BCB venues.
The National Flag flew at half-mast, prayers were arranged for the victims, a minute's silence was observed before the 2nd T20I, players and officials wore black armbands, and no music was played during the second T20I match between Bangladesh and Pakistan.
Similarly, Tabith Awal, President of the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF), issued a media release expressing profound solidarity. "We are deeply shocked and devastated to hear about the unfortunate event in Milestone School in Uttara," the statement read. "Our thoughts and prayers are for all those children who have lost their lives. We also pray for the recovery of all injured. At this moment in time, we would like to express our solidarity with all the members of the affected families and with members of the Bangladesh Air Force." The specific mention of "children" highlights the particularly tragic nature of the incident, resonating deeply with the public.
Beyond the official statements, individual athletes, often seen as national heroes, have used their platforms to convey personal anguish and support. Litton Das, captain of Bangladesh's T20I cricket team, took to social media to share his heartfelt prayers. "Prayers and heartfelt thoughts go out to everyone affected by the Uttara Milestone School & College incident. May peace, healing, and strength find their way to the victims and their families," he posted on his official Facebook page.
The brightest star in Bangladesh's sporting firmament, Shakib Al Hasan, also conveyed an emotional message on Facebook following the tragic incident. "Today's tragic incident at Milestone School has deeply shaken all of us," Shakib wrote. "A school, where future dreams are built, has today turned into a place of profound sorrow. Many young lives have been extinguished in an instant, countless dreams extinguished." Expressing his personal anguish as a father and a Bangladeshi citizen, Shakib added, "As a father, as a Bangladeshi, and as a human being, I deeply feel this sorrow, this pain. The suffering of each devastated family feels like my own." Extending his sympathy to all, Shakib further stated, "Let us all pray for the peace of the departed souls and for the recovery of the injured. In this difficult time, let us stand by each other."
Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal, a beloved figure in Bangladeshi cricket, conveyed his profound heartbreak. "What has happened and is happening right now is incredibly sad. Our hearts are breaking apart, we are devastated," Tamim wrote on Facebook. In a particularly thoughtful and compassionate gesture, he also made a public request to the media to "blur the faces of the children who suffered burns and other injuries," emphasizing, "They are our children. All of our prayers go out to them." This plea for sensitivity reflects a deep understanding of the vulnerability of the victims and the need for respectful reporting during such a traumatic time.
The collective outpouring of grief and solidarity from the sports fraternity serves as a powerful reminder of the unifying power of shared humanity. In moments of national crisis, the figures who typically inspire joy and excitement on the field step forward to embody the nation's collective sorrow, offering comfort and support to those most affected. It is a testament to the compassion embedded within the heart of Bangladeshi sport.
