Jet Crashes into Dhaka School During Training Flight
On July 21, a Bangladesh Air Force F‑7 BGI training jet, departing from Kurmitola Airbase in Dhaka, experienced a mechanical failure shortly after take-off. The pilot attempted to divert the aircraft from densely populated areas, but it crashed into the Milestone School and College in Uttara as afternoon classes were in session, engulfing classrooms in flames and debris.
Heavy Casualties and Widespread Injuries
Initial reports indicated at least 19 fatalities and 164 injuries among students and staff. Later updates from authorities estimate 20 deaths—including the pilot—and around 171 injured, many suffering severe burns.
Heroism Amid Flames
Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of chaos—smoke, screams, and rapidly spreading fire. Teachers and firefighters rescued trapped students, while the pilot’s efforts to steer the plane away from more crowded zones were acknowledged. One student described being saved by a teacher, and footage shows emergency teams battling flames and carrying children to safety.
Community in Mourning, Calls for Answers
Bangladesh declared a national day of mourning, with flags flown at half-mast. Students from the school and nearby colleges conducted protests demanding accountability, better safety in military training, and decommissioning of outdated aircraft. Police deployed tear gas to disperse some demonstrators.
Older Fighter Jets Under Scrutiny
The F‑7 BGI, a Chinese-built variant of the Chengdu J‑7 (MiG‑21), has a history of mechanical issues. Bangladesh operates a small fleet of these aging jets, sourced between 2011 and 2013. Defence analysts and experts have raised concerns over their reliability and safety.
High-Level Investigation Launched
The air force has initiated a high-level technical investigation into the crash. Military and government officials, including interim leader Muhammad Yunus, pledged full support to victims’ families. A technical committee will also study whether flights over populated areas should be suspended.
What Happens Next
- Rescue and Recovery: Emergency teams continue operations amid structural danger and lingering fires.
- Safety Review: Authorities are expected to impose stricter regulations on flight paths and training protocols near civilian areas.
- Aircraft Overhaul: Decision-makers may consider retiring or upgrading the aging F‑7 fleet to prevent future lapses.
Final Word
This devastating accident—Bangladesh’s deadliest aviation incident in decades—has claimed the lives of children, teachers, and a pilot. As grief gives way to demands for accountability, the crash spotlights the risks of aging aircraft and the urgent need to prioritize civilian safety in military training operations.
