A tragic accident unfolded on July 21, 2025, when a Bangladesh Air Force F‑7BGI training jet plunged into the Milestone School and College campus in the Uttara neighborhood of Dhaka. The catastrophic impact claimed at least 31 lives, including students, teachers, and the pilot, and injured over 160 people, making it one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent Bangladeshi history.
🕑 The Crash Timeline
The jet, piloted by Flight Lieutenant Towkir Islam, embarked on a routine training sortie from BAF Base Bir Uttom A. K. Khandker at 1:06 PM. Shortly afterward, the pilot encountered a mechanical failure. Eyewitnesses say he tried maneuvering away from crowded areas but crashed into a two‑storey school building under target classrooms, igniting a massive fire.
🔥 Scene of Chaos: Rescue and Response
Videos from the scene showed fire and smoke engulfing the building. Chaos ensued as firefighters, armed forces, and civilian first responders scrambled to rescue trapped students through blaze-filled rooms.
Survivors and onlookers recalled haunting scenes of smoke, screams, debris, and frantic attempts to retrieve the injured from the wreckage.
⚰️ Casualties & Heroic Acts
- Fatalities: At least 31 confirmed dead, including about 25 students, a teacher, and the pilot.
- Injuries: Over 160 people were burned or critically injured. Hospital sources indicate more than 43 minors needed burn care.
- Among the deafening devastation, teacher Maherin Chowdhury heroically rescued over 20 students before succumbing to her own injuries.
🛠️ Cause of Crash: Aging Aircraft Under Scrutiny
The aircraft was a Chinese-built Chengdu F‑7BGI, a license variant of the Soviet-era MiG‑21. Bangladesh’s F‑7 fleet, in service since 2011, has faced multiple safety concerns before.
Preliminary investigation points to mechanical failure, but there’s growing public criticism against continuing operations of outdated military jets.
📢 Angry Protests & Demand for Accountability
On July 22, hundreds of students and parents protested outside the crash site. They demanded:
- Justice and compensation for victims
- Accurate casualty disclosure
- A ban on using old aircraft for training
- A thorough investigation
Police responded with tear gas, stun grenades, and batons. Around 80 were injured in clashes with security forces.
🏛️ Government Response: Mourning & Inquiry
- Bangladesh has declared July 22 a national day of mourning, with flags flying at half-mast countrywide.
- Interim Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus pledged full support to victims’ families and a high-level probe into the crash.
- The High Court ordered a technical committee to investigate reasons behind the jet’s failure.
🌍 Regional Context & Aftermath
This crash coincides with India’s recent Air India disaster, adding pressure on South Asia’s aviation safety record. China’s F‑7 fleet history includes multiple incidents across countries, raising eyebrows over continued use despite known risks.
✅ What Happens Next?
| Task | Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Crash Investigation | Bangladesh Air Force technical committee & HC oversight |
| Victim Support | Government aid and compensation |
| Aircraft Review | Safety evaluation of F‑7 fleet and modernization plans |
| Training Safety | Ban flying old jets over populated areas |
| Security Reform | Preventive protocols for school zones near bases |
🌟 Final Thoughts
The Dhaka tragedy in Bangladesh serves as a chilling warning that aging military aircraft pose serious civilian risks. The loss of young lives, and the heroics of teachers and first responders, amplify calls for accountability, aviation modernization, and the safeguarding of public spaces.
As families grieve and protests mount, the nation awaits answers and meaningful change. Only a transparent inquiry and decisive policy action can bring justice and restore confidence in student safety.
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