The entire nation is in profound shock and grief following the devastating crash of a Bangladesh Air Force training aircraft in Dhaka’s Uttara area on Monday afternoon. The aircraft crashed into the Milestone School and College campus, claiming the lives of at least 31 people — including 25 children, a pilot, and a teacher. Another 174 people were injured, with 78 currently receiving treatment in various hospitals.
This heartbreaking tragedy has shaken the country to its core. Families continue the desperate search for dear and loved ones, while others are enduring the harrowing task of identifying charred remains — many beyond recognition. So far, only 20 of the deceased have been handed over to their families. The death toll may sadly climb, as the injured continue to fight for their lives.
What can the authorities possibly say to the grieving parents? What words could ever suffice? These were children full of promise, sent to school by their families, never to return. Their faces haunt the national conscience. The grief is overwhelming; the silence across the campus and the nation speaks volumes.
Milestone School and College, once a place of learning and joy, has now become the scene of unimaginable horror. On Tuesday morning, students staged demonstrations, demanding transparency and truth to come out about the mishap. They called for accurate release of the names of the deceased, a verified list of those injured, and just compensation for affected families. Their pain supersedes human imagenation and their demands are just and valid.
Even now, bodies are arriving at hospitals. Parents continue to search desperately, many fearing they will never see their children again — or recognise them if they do. Some victims were burnt beyond identification. Blood is still needed urgently. Donors and medical officials must remain prepared to combat any eventuality.
Parents continue
to search desperately, many
fearing they will never see their
children again — or recognise them if
they do
This tragedy ranks among the worst in Bangladesh’s aviation history. In response, the government on Tuesday observed a one-day state mourning. But beyond formalities, we must unite in prayer and reflection. May Allah grant eternal peace to the departed souls and strength to the grieving families to bear the unendurable pain.
We also pray for the swift recovery of all who were injured.
We extend our deepest condolences to the parents, families, and friends of the victims. These children were not only pupils — they were the hope and future of our nation. Their loss is our collective grief.
Now, more than ever, the government must act with urgency. Immediate and adequate medical care must be ensured for all the injured. Psychological support must also be offered to traumatised survivors and families. Most importantly, a full and transparent investigation must be launched into the crash. The causes must be identified, and those responsible held to account. The repeat of such incident can in no way be allowed.
Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. Over the past two decades, we have witnessed a series of training aircraft crashes — both military and civilian — resulting in the deaths of at least 15 pilots and civilians. Accidents involving Bangladesh Air Force training aircraft and private flying academies have left many injured. According to reports, most have been attributed to human error or outdated equipment.
This must end. A pertinent question crops up , why the trainingjet should fly over the congested mega city hike Dhaka training exercise fighter jet should avoid there populous area and there should be a separate zone for such evercise, according to experts. The authorities must now place aviation safety at the highest level of priority. Aircraft used for training must undergo rigorous inspection, regular maintenance, and thorough checks. Training standards must be enhanced, and operational oversight strengthened. Those entrusted with flight operations — particularly in the armed forces — must receive continuous, advanced training and maintain the highest safety protocols.
We also mourn the loss of Flight Lieutenant Toukir Islam, the pilot of the ill-fated aircraft. His sacrifice, alongside those of the students and staff who perished, must not go unrecognised.
While we focus on air safety, this tragedy also casts a shadow over broader transport safety in Bangladesh. Though the government has taken steps to modernise the aviation sector, public safety must never be compromised for convenience or cost-cutting. Let this heartbreaking incident mark a turning point — a moment of national reckoning. Let the lives lost at Milestone School and College not go in vain. In this hour of sorrow, our hearts are with every grieving family. May we come together — in compassion, in strength, and with resolve.
