The death toll has risen to 31 people including 25 children, a pilot and a teacher after Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) FT-7 BGI fighter aircraft crashed into a building of Milestone School and College in the capital's Uttara area on Monday.
According to the Inter Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR), 31 people have so far been killed in the Jet crash till 12:00pm Tuesday and 165 of the injured are now undergoing treatment at 10 hospitals in the capital.
Among the 31 confirmed deceased, 10 bodies are at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, 1 at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, 16 at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Dhaka, 2 at Lubna General Hospital, 1 at Uttara Adhunik Medical College Hospital, and 1 at United Hospital.
According to the list provided by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), a total of 165 individuals were injured in the incident. Of them, 8 are undergoing treatment at the Kuwait-Bangladesh Friendship Hospital, 46 at the Burn Institute, 3 at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, 28 at CMH, 13 at Lubna General Hospital, 60 at Uttara Adhunik Medical College Hospital, 1 at Uttara Crescent Hospital, 1 at Shaheed Monsur Ali Medical College Hospital, 2 at United Hospital, and 3 at Kurmitola General Hospital.
Dr. Md. Sayedur Rahman, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Health and Family Welfare in a press briefing at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery on Tuesday morning also said that 25 children, a pilot and a teacher were among the deceased.
“So far, 20 bodies have been identified and handed over to their families. However, six bodies remain unidentified. The remains of one individual are currently at Uttara Adhunik Medical College Hospital, and DNA testing may be required to confirm the identity.”
He further added that, as of now, 78 injured individuals are still admitted to various hospitals. Among them, 42 are being treated at the National Institute of Burn & Plastic Surgery, 28 at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH), and 3 at the Burn Unit of Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH).
The Bangladesh Army has initiated an investigation into an “unwanted incident” that took place during the rescue operation following the Uttara Jet crash, which occurred near Milestone College.
The incident reportedly stemmed from a misunderstanding between on-duty army personnel, volunteers, and a group of overenthusiastic bystanders who had thronged at the crash site.
In a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Tuesday, the Army confirmed that a formal probe is underway and assured that necessary administrative actions will be taken against those found responsible based on the investigation's findings.
Over 75 students hurt in
police action at Secretariat
Chief of the Bangladesh Air Force Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan urged the public not to pay heed to rumours circulating on social media.
A high-level investigation committee has already been formed to determine the exact cause of the accident, he said on Tuesday following the funeral prayer of the pilot who died in the recent crash.
"Based on their findings, if any errors or faults are identified, appropriate actions will be taken," he assured.
The Air Chief emphasised that the pilot had made every possible effort to land the aircraft in a vacant area and ultimately sacrificed his life in the attempt.
“Please, during this difficult time for the nation, do not fall prey to social media rumours. A strong Air Force is essential for our country’s independence and sovereignty. Do not weaken this vital pillar by spreading misinformation,” he pleaded.
He further noted that the immediate priority is ensuring the quick recovery of the injured with the support of everyone.
“It is unfortunate that unrest is being reported from the crash site. There is nothing to hide here—this was an accident, and accidents do happen,” he added.
Regarding aircraft maintenance, the Air Chief clarified that the Air Force does not compromise on safety.
“We take daily precautions to prevent such incidents. Of course, we will learn from this event. Aircraft don't typically become obsolete quickly. Each has a defined lifespan—whether a decade or two isn’t the issue. What matters is proper maintenance, and we maintain our aircraft to a high standard,” he said.
He concluded by noting that while technology may age, the aircraft in question were not outdated, reaffirming confidence in the Air Force’s equipment and procedures.
According to ISPR, the Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan on Tuesday visited the Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Dhaka, and the National Institute of Burn & Plastic Surgery to monitor the medical treatment and physical condition of those injured in the recent aircraft crash. During the visit, he assured that all necessary support will be extended to ensure proper and timely treatment for the victims.
In light of the incident, the authorities have issued emergency contact numbers for information regarding the injured and deceased, as well as for urgent assistance: Emergency Cell (24/7): 01769993558 (active on WhatsApp as well). Control Centre: 01769993888, 02-55063570.
The High Court has ordered the institution of a high-level committee within seven days to probe the Bangladesh Air Force fighter jet crash that killed and injured scores at Milestone School and College in Dhaka’s Diabari area.
The bench of Justice Fahmida Quader and Justice Sayed Jahed Mansur issued the directive on Tuesday following the initial hearing of a writ petition.
In its ruling, the court also issued a rule asking why the families of each of the dead should not be given Tk 5 core in compensation and the injured Tk 1 crore each.
The rule also questioned the authorities on why training jets are allowed to fly over densely populated areas, why arrangements for advanced treatment abroad should not be ensured for critically injured victims, and why student identity cards at all institutions should not include emergency contact information and blood group details.
It also raised the issue of installing modern fire safety systems in educational establishments.
On Tuesday morning, Law Adviser Asif Nazrul, Education Adviser C R Abrar, and Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam visited a school campus. Upon arrival, they were confronted by protesting students.
The students presented a six-point demand to the advisers, urging immediate and transparent action. They called for the disclosure of the correct names and identities of those who lost their lives in the recent incident, along with a complete and accurate list of the injured. The students also demanded compensation for every affected student's family. Furthermore, they insisted on the replacement of outdated and hazardous training aircraft currently used by the Air Force with modern and safer alternatives. They emphasised the need for comprehensive reform of the Air Force’s training procedures and centres to establish more humane and secure systems. Lastly, they demanded a public and unconditional apology for the incident in which army personnel physically assaulted teachers, viewing it as a grave violation of dignity and trust.
The Law Adviser promised to accept the students’ demands. However, the pledge failed to pacify their anger. Around 3:30 PM, as the delegation attempted to leave the institution, they were once again met with protests at the Diabari intersection.
By 4:30 PM, both advisers and the press secretary had to take shelter once again inside the premises of Milestone School and College, as hundreds of students gathered outside, demanding the resignation of both the Law and Education Advisers.
Meanwhile, from early afternoon, another wave of protests began in front of the main gate of the Secretariat in Dhaka, where students demanded the resignation of both the Education Adviser and the Education Secretary. In response, all entrances to the Secretariat were closed, resulting in the suspension of vehicular movement on the adjoining roads.
Later, Education Adviser Prof CR Abrar, Law Adviser Asif Nazrul, and the chief adviser's press team -- including Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam -- left the Milestone College premises at 7:33pm Tuesday, amid tight security.
At approximately 3:45 PM, the protesting students forced entry into the Secretariat premises. Following that, clashes broke out between the students and law enforcement personnel after 4:00 PM. During the confrontation, loud explosions—believed to be sound grenades—were heard, and tear gas shells were reportedly fired to disperse the crowd.
At least 75 injured students were taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) after law enforcement personnel charged with batons and fired tear gas shells to disperse demonstrators in front of the main gate of the Secretariat on Tuesday afternoon.
Twelve of the victims whose bodies have been handed over to families were identified as: Fatema Akhter, 9, daughter of Gani Sheikh of Bagerhat; Samiul Karim, 9 of Barishal; Rajoni Islam, 37 of Kushtia; Mehnaz Afrin Huraira, 9 of Tangail; Sharia Akhter, 13, daughter of Rafique Mollah of Dhaka; Nusrat Jahan Anika, 10, of Dhaka; Saad Salauddin, 9, son of Mukul Salauddin of Dhaka's Mirpur; Saima Akhter, 9, daughter of Shah Alam, of Gazipur; AB Shamim, 14; Afnan, 14; Tanvir, 14 and Milestone School and College teacher Maherin Chowdhury, 46.
