Bangladesh Air Force Jet Crashes into College Campus: At Least 19 Killed— a tragedy that has left Dhaka and the country in mourning.
On Monday, July 21, 2025, a Bangladesh Air Force F-7 BGI fighter jet crashed into Milestone School and College, located in the busy Diabari area of Uttara, Dhaka, bringing confusion and sorrow to students and staff as they faced unimaginable.
Tragic Crash Sets Off Anguish and National Mourning
The Daily Sun reported that at least 19 people have been officially announced as dead, and more than 50 others sustained injuries—many with critical burns—after the jet (in a training mission, apparently) crashed directly onto the college campus during student hours and while classes were in session. The horrible event took place on a Wednesday as classes were being held and students were tested, turning an ordinary Wednesday into utter chaos.
Witnesses explained that a terrifying roar filled the air as the jet nosedived, before exploding into flames upon crashing into the entrance of the college building. “It was terrifying—students and teachers were running for their lives, there was smoke and panic in the air” said a survivor in an interview with the media.
Immediate Rescue Efforts and Ongoing Emergency
Emergency services responded within minutes. It took the fire brigade eight units of effort to control the fire, while Bangladesh Army and Border Guard platoons continued the rescue operation, extracting individuals out of the rubble and into nearby hospitals. According to bdnews24.com, more than 50 students were admitted to the hospital for life-threatening burns, numerous conditions being critical. Most of the victims were students, with some being teachers and staff.
Medical teams at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in Dhaka detailed a scene of distress, with an overwhelming number of family members looking for their loved ones as staff focused on stabilizing the injured. The majority of the victims being hospitalized are children, which adds to the tragic nature of this community disaster.
Investigation Initiated; President and Prime Minister Resound
Authorities are investigating the circumstances of the crash. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated the jets were on a scheduled military training mission but did not provide information on the status of the pilot. The early reports did not clarify whether the pilot survived or was among the dead.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina shared their sincere condolences and committed to providing all government resources to the family members impacted by the crash, pledging the government’s support and commitment to transparency during the investigation. “This is a very dark day for our country. The government will support every family who lost a loved one and we will ensure that anyone who was hurt will receive the care necessary,” the Prime Minister pointed out in a release.
What the Community and the School Did
Shock and sorrow soaked the Milestone School and College community, one of the largest educational institutions in Dhaka serving thousands of students from primary through higher secondary levels. Parents, teachers and friends gathered in groups outside hospitals and with emergency services at the flight mishap scene, some searching for missing loved ones and others simply offering blood or resources to assist emergency services.
The spokesperson from Milestone School and College confirmed that the school was striving to coordinate between emergency authorities and hospitals in relative proximity to the military jet crash. The spokesperson also confirmed the school was organizing counselling services for the traumatized students and staff as soon as conditions allowed.
As the country recovers from the unexpected and tragic results of the Bangladesh Air Force Jet Crashes into College Campus: At Least 19 Killed, there is attention focused on the treatment of injured victims, the needs of grieving family members, and accountability. This tragedy highlights the paramount importance of flight safety, and the oversight of flight training, flight crew preparedness/emergency systems in all countries.
