A quiet afternoon at Milestone School and College in Dhaka's busy Uttara neighborhood was shattered by tragedy today when a Bangladesh Air Force fighter jet crashed into the campus, resulting in the deaths of 16 students, two teachers, and the pilot. Over 100 others have been injured, many seriously, in what is being called one of the darkest days in the recent history of Bangladesh’s capital.

The incident occurred shortly after 1:00 pm. The aircraft, identified as an F-7 BGI fighter jet used by the Bangladesh Air Force for training, had just taken off before it lost control and crashed into the roof of the school canteen at Milestone School and College. Within moments, a massive explosion echoed, sending debris and flames across the otherwise peaceful compound. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as children screamed, teachers shouted out names, and thick black smoke towered into the sky.

Rescue teams, including firefighters, police, and army personnel, rushed to the scene to battle the blazes and save those trapped inside. Television footage and eyewitness videos showed destroyed classrooms, twisted metal, and distraught parents outside the gates.

Who Are the Victims?

Among the 19 confirmed dead are 16 students, two teachers, and the aircraft’s pilot. The ages of the students range from primary school children to teenagers. According to medical officials, more than 100 people, mostly students, have been hospitalized with burns and other injuries, some in critical condition. The National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery and various hospitals across Dhaka are treating the injured.

How Did the Authorities Respond?

Emergency services responded quickly. Eight fire engines along with army units went to the site to control the fire and search for survivors. Rescue operations continued for several hours as authorities pulled students and staff from the rubble.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed deep condolences to the families affected and ordered a full investigation into the accident. Muhammad Yunus, head of Bangladesh’s interim government, called the loss “irreparable” and said support was being organized for those impacted.

What Caused the Crash?

As of now, the cause of the crash remains unknown. The F-7 BGI is a Chinese-made jet commonly used in aviation training by the Bangladesh Air Force. Investigators from the military and civil aviation authorities have been sent to the scene to collect evidence and interview witnesses.

Many are asking tough questions about the safety of military training flights over densely populated areas, especially near schools and residential neighborhoods. In recent years, there have been concerns raised about the maintenance of military aircraft and the protocols followed during training sorties.

The tragedy has sparked a wave of grief and concern across the country. On social media, parents, teachers, and ordinary citizens are demanding stricter safety measures.

“Why was a training flight happening over our schools? My daughter could have died,”

said one parent waiting outside a local hospital. Meanwhile, some residents have highlighted the urgent need for better urban planning to keep schools and residential areas away from dangerous flight paths.

A statement from a local community leader captured the anxiety: “Dhaka is already a crowded city, but this disaster shows we need to rethink where our children go to school and how our air force operates. Safety must come first.”

As rescue efforts wind down, attention turns to supporting the grieving families and injured survivors. The government has promised all necessary medical help and counseling services. There have also been calls to suspend similar training flights until a comprehensive review is done.

The focus now is on a thorough, transparent investigation. Many hope that this incident will lead to lasting changes—including upgraded safety standards and careful planning—to prevent such a tragedy from ever happening again.

While the shock of today’s disaster will linger for a long time, it also brings important issues to the forefront. How can safety be ensured in a growing city like Dhaka? Should military training flights be routed away from population centers? Are school buildings equipped to handle emergencies?

These are tough questions, but the loss of young lives makes it urgent to find answers. As one commentator put it, “We owe our children a city where they can learn in peace, without fear of the skies above them.”

For now, all of Bangladesh mourns the loss—and hopes for a safer future for its children.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies

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