Dhaka: The city of Dhaka has plunged into mourning and rage after a Bangladesh Air Force fighter jet crashed into the Milestone School and College campus in the Uttara district on Monday, killing at least 31 people most of them children and injuring dozens more. The shocking accident has triggered widespread protests, particularly by students demanding justice, accountability, and an immediate reevaluation of military flight operations over urban areas.
According to the military, the Chengdu F-7 BGI jet was on a routine solo training flight when it developed a mechanical failure shortly after takeoff from Tejgaon Airbase. Eyewitnesses described the horrifying scene as the aircraft, trailing smoke, nosedived into the school complex and erupted into flames. Teachers and staff scrambled to rescue students, many of whom were trapped under debris or inside burning classrooms. Emergency services rushed to the scene, but the scale of destruction made rescue efforts extremely difficult.
In the immediate aftermath, government officials confirmed that 31 people had died 25 of them children and nearly 80 were injured, some critically. The pilot was reportedly ejected but succumbed to injuries. As hospitals struggle to cope with the wounded, authorities began DNA identification processes for several victims who were too severely burned to be recognized.
The emotional weight of the tragedy quickly turned into public outrage. On Tuesday, thousands of students poured into the streets of Dhaka and several other cities, chanting slogans against what they called “reckless military aviation” in civilian zones. Demonstrators demanded an independent investigation into the incident, compensation for victims' families, and a complete ban on military training flights over populated areas. Clashes broke out in parts of the capital as police used tear gas and batons to disperse protesters blocking roads and government buildings.
The government has declared a national day of mourning and set up a high-level inquiry led by military officials, but critics including parents and rights groups are calling for a civilian-led probe, citing concerns over transparency. “This isn't just a technical error it’s a systemic failure,” said Dr. Rafiq Ahmed, a retired civil aviation expert. “Training jets should not fly over schools. This could have been prevented.”
This catastrophic incident comes amid heightened scrutiny of aviation safety in South Asia, following a major air disaster in India just weeks ago. Analysts argue that the tragedy in Dhaka reveals deeper flaws in flight protocol, risk management, and public safety policies in Bangladesh’s airspace planning.
Meanwhile, scenes of heartbreak continue to emerge as families identify the bodies of their children. Candlelight vigils and prayer services are being held across the country as a grieving nation asks: Why were jets allowed to soar over classrooms in the first place?
The government has promised to review military training zones and compensate affected families. But for many, these promises feel too little, too late especially for the parents who sent their children to school and never saw them return.