On Monday, 21 July 2025, a Bangladesh Air Force F‑7 BGI training jet crashed into the Milestone School and College campus in Uttara, Dhaka, during the early afternoon, resulting in a devastating loss of life and prompting an urgent response by emergency services.
The aircraft, according to the military’s public relations office, departed at 13:06 (07:06 GMT) but inexplicably lost stability before descending into the densely populated school grounds. A fire services official confirmed that at least 19 individuals, most of them children, were killed in the crash. Injuries have been reported to exceed 100, with many suffering severe burns.
Dr Bidhan Sarker, head of the burn unit at Dhaka Medical College and Hospital, provided grim details: “A third grade student was brought in dead, and three others, aged 12, 14 and 40, were admitted to the hospital.” A fire official corroborated that over 50 people had been hospitalised with burn injuries.
Witnesses described chaotic scenes as the jet rammed into academic buildings, sending thick plumes of smoke skywards. “When I was picking my kids and went to the gate, I realised something came from behind… I heard an explosion. When I looked back, I only saw fire and smoke,” recounted teacher Masud Tarik. Emergency crews, including firefighters and army personnel, rushed to extinguish the flames and extract survivors from the wreckage.
The military confirmed that the pilot of the aircraft was also killed, marking this as one of Dhaka’s most tragic aviation incidents in recent memory. In addition to students, two teachers lost their lives when portions of the school structure collapsed under the impact.
Bangladesh’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, expressed deep sorrow and pledged a full inquiry. “Necessary measures” will be taken to determine the cause of the accident and to “ensure all kinds of assistance,” he said. He described the loss as “irreparable” for the Air Force, students, parents, teachers, staff and countless others.
Rescue operations saw survivors carried from the site on stretchers and even cycle rickshaws, with many rushed to hospitals such as Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Kurmitola General Hospital and Combined Military Hospital, according to AP.
Authorities have launched an investigation into whether mechanical fault, pilot error or procedural failure caused the crash. This tragic event has reignited debate on the safety of conducting low‑altitude military flights above populated zones, especially near schools and residential areas.
As the nation reels from the loss, hospitals continue to care for the injured and counselling services have been arranged for survivors and families. The full toll of the tragedy may take time to confirm, but Monday’s events have left an indelible mark on Dhaka’s collective consciousness.
This horrifying incident stands as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the profound repercussions when military training collides with civilian safety. As Bangladesh mourns, calls now grow for more stringent flight regulations to avert a recurrence of such heartbreak.
