Bangladesh Air Force Jet Crashes Into School, Killing 32 and Sparking Student Protests
A military training jet crashed into a school in Dhaka, Bangladesh, killing 32 people—mostly students—and triggering large student protests. The incident has raised serious questions about flight safety, government accountability, and the use of outdated aircraft. As the country observes a day of national mourning, tensions remain high.
What Happened
On Monday afternoon, a Bangladesh Air Force training jet crashed into Milestone School and College in the Uttara neighborhood of Dhaka. The plane was a Chinese-made F-7 BGI fighter jet, and it struck a two-story school building, causing a fire and major destruction.
By Wednesday, authorities confirmed 32 people had died. That included 29 students, two teachers, and the pilot, who was on his first solo flight. Another 171 people—mostly students—were rescued, many of them with serious burns.
Sayeedur Rahman, a special assistant to interim leader Muhammad Yunus, said 78 people are still hospitalized. Doctors warn that around two dozen of them are in critical condition.
How People Are Reacting
The crash shocked the nation and triggered protests across Dhaka, especially among students. On Tuesday, crowds gathered near the crash site demanding:
- A full investigation into the crash
- Compensation for victims’ families
- A ban on outdated and unsafe military aircraft
- Accountability from officials
Protesters say police used tear gas, stun grenades, and even batons to break up crowds. Local media reported that around 80 students were injured during the protests.
At one point, demonstrators stormed the Bangladesh Secretariat—home to the country’s main government offices. Two government advisers, Asif Nazrul and C.R. Abrar, had to take shelter inside the campus for several hours before being escorted out by security.
A Nation in Mourning
The government declared Tuesday a national day of mourning. Flags were lowered, and schools canceled public exams. However, some students criticized officials for delaying this announcement. They also accused police of rough treatment and mistreatment of teachers during the protests.
Judges from Bangladesh’s High Court called for the formation of a technical committee to investigate the crash. The military said it is also conducting its own internal investigation, though the country’s civil aviation authority is not directly involved.
Smriti, an 11th-grade student who witnessed the crash, described the horror:
“When the plane came, the sound was so loud it felt like my ears would burst. Within seconds, it hit the school. I saw bodies lying everywhere. Some kids were burned. Will they ever go back to their parents again?”
Who Were the Victims?
Among the dead was teacher Maherin Chowdhury, who reportedly helped rescue over 20 students before dying from her injuries. Many victims were burned so badly that DNA testing may be needed to confirm their identities. So far, 20 bodies have been returned to their families.
Doctors are working around the clock at a special burn hospital. A blood donation camp was also set up to help the injured.
India has stepped in to offer medical help. The country’s Ministry of External Affairs said a team of burn specialists and nurses would travel to Dhaka to assist with treatment and possibly transfer some patients to India for further care.
What Caused the Crash?
According to the military, the F-7 BGI jet reported a “technical malfunction” shortly after taking off from A.K. Khandaker Air Base at 1:06 p.m. Monday. The pilot, Flight Lt. Mohammed Toukir Islam, reportedly tried to steer the aircraft away from residential areas before it hit the school.
This was his first solo flight.
The school is located just 11 kilometers (about 7 miles) from the air base, in a busy neighborhood filled with shops, homes, and a metro station.
The F-7 BGI is a Chinese-built fighter jet, based on the Soviet MiG-21. Bangladesh bought 16 of these jets in 2011, with all delivered by 2013. While considered an upgrade at the time, critics now question their safety and reliability.
This is not the first time an F-7 has crashed in Bangladesh. In 2008, another one went down outside Dhaka, killing the pilot after he ejected due to mechanical issues.
What’s Next?
As the investigation begins and protests continue, many in Bangladesh are demanding answers. Was the aircraft too old to fly? Could the crash have been prevented? And why were students and teachers caught in the middle of it?
For now, Dhaka remains tense. Grieving families wait for news. Doctors are fighting to save the injured. And students continue calling for justice and reform.
Source: AP News – Bangladesh students protest after air force jet crash into school kills 32
