Bangladesh Air Force Plane Crash: Inside the Dhaka School Tragedy That Shook a Nation

At least 31 people, mostly schoolchildren, died in a devastating Bangladesh Air Force plane crash when an FT-7BGI fighter jet struck Milestone School and College in Dhaka on July 21, 2025. This article explores the incident, its causes, public response, and future implications.

Bangladesh Air Force Plane Crash Wiki: A Shocking Aviation Disaster

The Bangladesh Air Force plane crash wiki page is now among the most searched as the country reels from its deadliest aviation tragedy in decades. On July 21, 2025, a Chinese-made FT-7BGI fighter jet crashed into Milestone School and College at 1:12 pm BST, killing at least 31 people, including 29 children and the pilot, Flight Lieutenant Toukir Islam. Over 165 others were injured, many critically, sparking national grief and global condolences.

What Happened on July 21?

The FT-7BGI aircraft took off from BAF Base Bir Uttom A. K. Khandker. Moments after takeoff, it suffered a mechanical malfunction. The pilot, on his first solo mission, struggled to control the jet, which eventually crashed into the two-story school building. The military reported that he attempted to steer away from populated zones but could not avoid the crash due to low altitude and system failure.

Victims and Rescue Efforts

• Fatalities: 31 (29 schoolchildren, 1 teacher, and the pilot)
• Injuries: 165+ with burns and trauma
• Critical cases: 25 students hospitalized in critical condition
• Response: 9 fire units, 6 ambulances, Border Guard platoons, and military teams participated

Maherin Chowdhury, a teacher who saved over 20 students, died later from severe burn injuries. The Bangladesh government declared July 22 a national day of mourning. High-profile officials, including the Army Chief and Prime Minister, attended the funeral of the pilot.

Why Was This Aircraft in a Populated Area?

Aviation experts questioned the practice of military flight training over densely populated cities like Dhaka. The airbase’s location and proximity to schools and residential zones have come under renewed scrutiny. In April 2024, 44 educational institutions in Dhaka were declared structurally unsafe, yet many still operate in high-risk zones.

The aircraft involved was the most advanced of its kind in Bangladesh’s fleet, fitted with multifunction displays and upgraded radar systems. Still, this advanced technology did not prevent catastrophe during a solo training mission.

Government and Legal Response

• Investigation: A high-level Air Force committee has been formed.
• Compensation Rule: The High Court proposed BDT 1 crore for each injured and BDT 5 crore for each fatality.
• Policy Review: Students and civil society demand decommissioning outdated jets and relocation of training zones.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus expressed deep grief, acknowledging public demand for transparency and accountability. He stated that student protests and legal interventions are justified and part of the democratic process.

Public Outcry and Global Reaction

Demonstrations erupted across Dhaka, particularly by students of Milestone College. A six-point demand was submitted, calling for the resignation of top education officials, accurate casualty reports, and safety reforms. Notable global leaders and institutions including India, the U.S., the U.N., and the Vatican expressed their condolences.

Sports icons like Shakib Al Hasan and Shaheen Afridi shared public messages of sorrow, while human rights advocates criticized the military’s crowd-control measures during rescue efforts.

The Bigger Picture: Future of Air Safety in Bangladesh

The tragedy has forced a reckoning with aviation protocols in Bangladesh. Calls for decommissioning aging aircraft and halting urban training flights are louder than ever. Stakeholders are urging the Air Force and the government to prioritize citizen safety over outdated training traditions.

As investigations continue, the incident is being compared to historical air disasters like the 1946 Apeldoorn crash and Freckleton air disaster. This has further intensified debates on aviation safety in urban areas globally.

The Bangladesh Air Force plane crash wiki page will continue to evolve, but the lives lost and lessons learned must not be forgotten. Accountability, reform, and respect for life should define what comes next.

You Must Know

• What caused the Bangladesh Air Force plane crash? – A mechanical failure during a solo training mission caused the FT-7BGI jet to crash into Milestone School in Dhaka.
• How many people died in the crash? – 31 people died, including 29 children, a teacher, and the pilot.
• What actions are being taken? – A high-level investigation is underway, and the High Court has proposed substantial compensations.
• Why was the aircraft flying over a school? – The flight was part of a routine training mission, sparking criticism of such exercises over densely populated areas.
• What is the status of injured victims? – Over 165 people were injured; many are receiving treatment in specialized burn units.
• What reforms are being demanded? – Protesters want relocation of airbases, banning outdated jets, and safety reforms in aviation protocols.