Bangladesh Air Force Jet Crashes into Dhaka School: How Tragedy Shook a City
Dhaka Plane Crash: Shocking Jet Tragedy at School
On July 21, 2025, at approximately 1:06 p.m. local time, a Bangladesh Air Force F‑7 BGI training jet plummeted into the Milestone School and College in the Uttara district of Dhaka, unleashing chaos, heartbreak, and a national reckoning on military flight safety. This comprehensive report delves into the unfolding disaster—what happened, who was affected, why it happened, and what must change.
Death toll: Confirmed at least 16 fatalities
Injuries: Over 100 students and faculty treated, many critically burned
Location: Diabari area, near Milestone College gates, where classes were underway
- A national day of mourning was declared by the Bangladeshi government
The Crash and Immediate Aftermath
Eyewitnesses and security footage captured the horrifying moment: a flash of fire followed by the jet nose-diving into the school cafeteria, triggering a plume of black smoke. Some reports say debris scattered across lawns; students fled screaming, and bystanders hovered in shock.
Rescue efforts were launched immediately. First responders—including fire, police, military, and volunteers—performed triage, using rickshaws and ambulances to transport injured students to nearby hospitals, including military medical facilities.
The Tragic Moment
Operating from BAF Base Bir Uttom A. K. Khandker, the Chinese-made Chengdu F‑7 BGI was on a training sortie when it crashed into the school’s canteen and courtyard, just as classes were underway. Within seconds, the crash ignited an inferno, sending dark smoke ripping through the campus and triggering a mass evacuation scramble.
Eyewitnesses described the scene:
“My God! It’s my school,” recalled a terrified student who watched from TV.
Eyewitnesses described the scene:
“My God! It’s my school,” recalled a terrified student who watched from TV.
Another teacher shared that students were taking tests when the jet “fell on the gate and crashed nearby”
Human Toll & Emergency Response
Fatalities & Injuries
Initial reports confirmed at least one person dead—a third-grade student—though later official tallies indicated the death toll may be 16 to 19 people, including students, staff, and possibly the pilot.
Injuries exceeded 100, with many suffering critical burns. Official hospital figures cited “more than 50” at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery alone.
Rescue in Motion
Firefighters, army units, and civilians rushed to the campus, using fire engines, ambulances, and even tri-wheeled rickshaws to transport the wounded.
The National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery set up emergency hotlines and full triage support, while metro rail authorities dispatched a dedicated train carriage to transport casualties.
State Mourning
Bangladesh declared July 22, 2025, a national day of mourning, with flags lowered at half-mast, a moment of silence observed in schools, and special prayers offered across religious and public institutions.
The Aircraft & Pilot
The jet—a Chengdu F‑7 BGI—is a Bangladesh Air Force multirole fighter trainer adopted between 2011–2013. Renowned for its agility, it also carries risks due to its older design.
The pilot, Flight Lieutenant Towkir Islam Sagar, did not eject in time and was later reported dead at Combined Military Hospital.
Bangladesh Air Force spokespeople confirmed the aircraft’s identity and affirmed a high-level inquiry to uncover the crash’s cause.
Student & Community Impact
- Classes were in session. Students expressed horror, describing pandemonium as “fireball hit the canteen windows.” Teachers guided children away amid chaotic conditions.
- Multiple students rushed to hospitals with severe burns. Parents and community members cried for information as medical teams battled overwhelming trauma cases.
- Milestone College authorities confirmed the crash occurred “near the school gates” during a live class session.
Why It Matters
Civilian Safety in Military Zones
The closeness of the flight path to a school campus, packed with young children, raises critical issues about urban airspace zoning. Dhaka’s rapid expansion means military jets now fly perilously close to civilian facilities during training missions.
Equipment Age & Maintenance
The F‑7 BGI is decades old with limited modern avionics. Multiple past incidents—including Yak-130 crashes—have drawn attention to maintenance rigor and pilot training quality for aging fleets.
Pilot Protocol
Records show inconsistent ejection practices. Despite upgrades, pilot response time and low-altitude survivability are pressing concerns for military aviation standards.
Voices from the Ground
Eyewitnesses painted chaos: “Children were fleeing; walls were burning,” a teacher reported.
Students, traumatized:
“I was terrified… My God! It’s my school,” said a 16‑year‑old watching from another classroom.
Government & Official Reactions
Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus vowed a thorough investigation and support for survivors, describing the losses as “irreparable”.
Bangladesh Army’s PRC confirmed the crash and pledged “necessary measures”.
BAF spokespersons said they would examine training protocols and equipment quality in the wake of renewed public scrutiny.
Education Ministry suspended classes at Milestone School and urged other schools near fly zones to form safety councils.
Past Incidents & Rising Patterns
- May 2024: A Yak‑130 crash in Chattogram injured a pilot; attributed to mechanical failure with post-incident firings of senior officers.
- 2005 Uttara: An F‑7 crash into a residential area left six civilians injured, sparking public outrage.
Collectively, these incidents highlight the perils of aging aircraft near urban zones and deficiency in safe corridors.
What Lies Ahead: Investigation & Policy Reforms
Probing the Crash
A multi-agency court of inquiry has been convened. It will analyze:
Flight data recorder
Maintenance history
Pilot logs and training
Airspace and safety protocols
Safety Reforms Recommended
Redefine flight paths to avoid schools and populated areas during training.
Upgrade jet fleet: Replace with modern, safer aircraft.
Enhance pilot training: Emphasize low-altitude ejection drills and emergency handling.
Transparent reporting: Regular audits and public disclosure of aviation safety matters.
Comparative Context
India’s 2025 Ahmedabad Dreamliner crash, though a commercial flight, and this military accident expose shared aviation risks—aging aircraft, faulty protocols—in South Asia.
Many nations have since established restricted flight zones above critical civilian infrastructure to prevent such tragedies.
The Human Toll
Schools function as safe havens—home to dreams and futures. This tragedy overturns that sense of security. Healing will require:
Physical recovery of injured children, some severely burned.
Psychological support for survivors facing trauma.
Trust rebuilding between military institutions and the public.
Educational continuity to prevent disruption to growing children’s lives.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Dhaka Milestone School crash serves as a grim reminder of the risks posed when military aircraft fly over densely populated areas. With a rising death toll and massive injuries among children, the tragedy transcends a mere accident—it tests Bangladesh’s aviation safety policies, crisis preparedness, and capacity for public reassurance.
As investigations proceed, authorities must answer urgent questions about operational transparency, flight route safety, and structural reforms in air training protocols. For affected families and the nation, the enduring challenge will be healing from trauma and ensuring such horror never repeats.