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 The incident has raised serious questions about flight safety, government accountability, and the use of outdated aircraft.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• A ban on outdated and unsafe military aircraft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

The post Bangladesh Air Force Jet Crashes Into Dhaka School, Killing 32 Students and Staff appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

A Tragic Air Crash Shakes Bangladesh’s Capital

A Bangladesh Air Force training jet crashed into a school in Dhaka on Monday, killing at least 19 people — including students and the pilot — and injuring more than 100. The jet hit Milestone School and College, located in the city’s busy Uttara neighborhood, just minutes after taking off.

This is one of the deadliest air disasters in the capital in recent years. The crash has left the country in mourning, as families, students, and the community struggle to cope with the aftermath.

Jet Crashed Shortly After Takeoff

According to military officials, the aircraft was a Chinese-made F-7 BGI fighter jet. It took off from the Bangladesh Air Force Base A.K. Khandaker in the Kurmitola area at 1:06 p.m. local time. Within minutes, it experienced a technical malfunction and crashed into a two-story school building.

The pilot, Flight Lieutenant Md. Toukir Islam, attempted to steer the jet away from densely populated areas. Despite his efforts, the aircraft crashed directly into the Milestone School and caught fire.

“The pilot made every effort to divert the aircraft,” a military statement said. “Unfortunately, the jet crashed into the school campus.”

Most Victims Were Students

The Fire Service and Civil Defense confirmed that at least 19 people died, most of them students. Another 116 were injured, with many suffering from burns.

Doctors at Uttara Adhunik Hospital said over 60 injured students, mostly aged between 12 and 16, were transferred to a specialized burn center. The condition of some victims remains critical.

The crash caused chaos in the area. Rescuers and local residents rushed to help, carrying injured students on their laps or using rickshaws and motorbikes to get them to hospitals quickly.

“My daughter was covered in ash and crying,” one father told reporters. “I didn’t know if she was alive until I heard her voice.”

Panic and Devastation at the Scene

Witnesses described a horrifying scene. The school buildings shook from the impact, and a loud explosion followed. Students and teachers ran for cover as smoke filled the campus.

“My God! It’s my school,” said Rafiqa Taha, a 16-year-old student who wasn’t on campus during the crash. “I was terrified watching the videos on TV.”

Parents rushed to the school, many crying and searching for their children. A mother who had found one child continued to search desperately for the other. At nearby hospitals, the sound of sobbing and shouting filled the hallways.

Emergency crews faced challenges as they tried to rescue people from the wreckage. The crash site is near a metro station and surrounded by shops and homes, making the area difficult to access.

By evening, soldiers were still searching the debris for bodies.

National Mourning and Promises of Investigation

In response to the disaster, the Bangladeshi government announced a national day of mourning for Tuesday. Flags will fly at half-staff across the country.

Interim leader Muhammad Yunus expressed deep sorrow, calling the crash “a heartbreaking accident.” He promised a full investigation and offered condolences to the families of the victims.

“This is an irreparable loss,” Yunus said in a statement. “Students, teachers, staff, parents, and Air Force personnel — all have been affected. It’s a moment of deep national grief.”

International Reactions

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also responded, calling the event a “tragic air crash in Dhaka.” In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he said:

“Our hearts go out to the bereaved families. India stands in solidarity with Bangladesh and is ready to extend all possible support and assistance.”

What Happens Next

A high-level committee within the Bangladesh Air Force will investigate the crash. Officials say they will examine what caused the jet’s malfunction and how similar accidents can be prevented in the future.

In the meantime, families are mourning their loved ones, and students, teachers, and staff are recovering from physical injuries and emotional trauma. The entire nation stands still in grief — united by one of the most tragic events in recent memory.

This story will be updated as more details become available.

Source: AP News  – A Bangladesh Air Force training jet crashes into a Dhaka school, killing at least 19

The post Bangladesh Air Force Jet Crashes Into Dhaka School, Killing 19 and Injuring Over 100 appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.