Distraught students demand answers after plane crash turned Bangladesh school into ‘death trap’. On July 21, 2025, a Bangladesh Air Force F-7 jet crashed into Milestone School and College in Dhaka’s Uttara neighborhood, killing at least 31 people, including 25 children, and injuring over 160 others. The disaster, caused by a mechanical failure shortly after takeoff, has left the nation in shock, with families grieving and students protesting for transparency and accountability.
The jet struck a two-story building on the school campus during afternoon classes, sparking a massive fire that engulfed the structure. Eyewitnesses described harrowing scenes of flames and smoke, with teachers and parents scrambling to rescue children. “I saw the plane hit the building, and then there was just fire everywhere,” said a teacher who witnessed the crash. Many of the injured, mostly children under 12, suffered severe burns and were rushed to hospitals across Dhaka, overwhelming medical facilities.
Students and families are questioning the official death toll and demanding clarity on the crash’s cause. The military stated the pilot, Flight Lieutenant Md. Taukir Islam, attempted to steer the jet toward a less populated area before perishing in the crash. An investigation is underway, but protesters are calling for an end to the use of outdated aircraft and compensation for victims’ families.
The interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, declared July 22 a national day of mourning, with flags lowered across the country. “This is a profound loss for our nation,” Yunus said, urging hospitals to prioritize treatment for the injured. As rescue operations conclude, the focus shifts to supporting grieving families and ensuring such a tragedy does not recur.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, July 23rd, 2025
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