Bangladesh Mourns Air Force Pilot Killed in Dhaka F-7 Crash Tragedy

The roar of a jet engine turned to tragedy over Dhaka’s Uttara neighborhood on July 14, 2025. Flight Lieutenant Towkir Islam Sagar, a promising young pilot of the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF), lost his life when his F-7 BGI training aircraft crashed into Milestone College shortly after takeoff. The catastrophic accident claimed at least 19 lives – including 16 students and two teachers – injured 164 others, and extinguished the bright future of a dedicated airman, casting a pall of grief across the nation. Sagar’s valiant struggle in the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) ICU ended too soon, leaving a military community in mourning and a nation demanding answers about one of Dhaka’s deadliest aviation disasters in recent memory.

Who Was Flight Lieutenant Towkir Islam Sagar?

Flight Lieutenant Towkir Islam Sagar embodied the aspirations of Bangladesh’s defense forces. A cadet of the esteemed 76th Bangladesh Air Force Academy (BAFA) course, Sagar was assigned to the 35th Squadron, renowned for training advanced fighter pilots. Described by peers and instructors as disciplined, humble, and exceptionally promising, he had amassed 160 hours of flying experience. His journey began with 100 hours mastering the PT-6 trainer aircraft during cadet training in the 15th Squadron before progressing to the high-performance F-7 BGI fighter jet. Standing approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall and believed to be in his early twenties, Sagar represented a generation of skilled aviators crucial to the BAF’s modernization efforts. His commitment was absolute; colleagues recall his meticulous preparation and quiet determination to excel. Social media tributes from accounts like @haseeb3547 and @EPxInsights confirmed his identity and batch (33rd BAF pilot batch), highlighting the deep respect he commanded within the force. His loss is not just statistical; it’s the erasure of a meticulously cultivated talent and a devastating blow to his family and the BAF community.

The Catastrophic F-7 BGI Crash at Milestone College

The ill-fated training flight commenced at 1:06 PM local time. Minutes later, around 1:30 PM, Sagar’s F-7 BGI, bearing serial/tail number 2701, experienced a catastrophic failure shortly after takeoff. Eyewitnesses described a scene of horror as the fighter jet, plummeting from the sky, slammed directly into the campus of Milestone College in Uttara Sector 6. The school was in session, transforming an ordinary afternoon into a nightmare. The impact caused massive structural damage, ignited fires, and unleashed chaos. First responders, including military personnel, firefighters, and civilian volunteers, rushed to the scene in a desperate rescue operation amid debris and devastation.

Initial reports confirmed at least 19 fatalities: 16 students whose lives were abruptly cut short, two educators, and Flight Lieutenant Sagar himself. A staggering 164 individuals sustained injuries ranging from critical burns and trauma to less severe wounds. Images and videos circulating on social media, notably from accounts like @Anik and @EPxInsights, showed the horrific aftermath – shattered concrete, burning wreckage, and the stunned faces of survivors. The crash site became a symbol of national grief, with flowers and candles accumulating in tribute. The Bangladesh government declared a day of mourning, while the Air Force initiated an immediate, high-priority investigation into the cause. Preliminary focus centered on potential technical malfunction of the aging F-7 aircraft or a sudden pilot incapacitation, though definitive findings remain pending. The incident starkly raised urgent questions about aircraft maintenance protocols and training safety near densely populated urban zones like Dhaka.

Investigation and Nationwide Response

The Bangladesh Air Force moved swiftly following the disaster. A high-level investigation board, likely involving technical experts and potentially international aviation safety consultants, was formed to determine the precise sequence of events leading to the crash. Key evidence includes:

• Flight Data Recorder (Black Box): Critical for understanding the aircraft’s final moments, including systems status and control inputs.
• Wreckage Analysis: Scrutinizing the debris for signs of structural failure, engine malfunction, or fire before impact.
• Eyewitness Testimonies: Correlating ground observations with technical data.
• Pilot Health Records: Reviewing Sagar’s medical history to rule out physiological factors.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed profound shock and sorrow, extending condolences to the families of all victims and pledging full government support for the injured and bereaved. The Chief of Air Staff visited the crash site and CMH, emphasizing the BAF’s commitment to uncovering the truth. The tragedy sparked intense public discourse on social media and in parliament regarding the safety of operating advanced fighter jets, particularly older models like the Chinese-origin F-7s, over Dhaka’s sprawling metropolis. Demands grew louder for accelerated fleet modernization and enhanced safety audits for all training flights near civilian infrastructure. Major news outlets like The Daily Star and Prothom Alo provided extensive coverage, documenting the national outpouring of grief and solidarity. Vigils were held at Milestone College and BAF bases, honoring the victims and the young pilot who perished in the line of duty.

Remembering a Fallen Hero

Beyond the statistics and investigations, Flight Lieutenant Towkir Islam Sagar is remembered as a son, a comrade, and a patriot. Tributes poured in from fellow cadets, instructors, and military leaders, painting a picture of a young man driven by a profound love for flying and serving his country. His journey through the rigorous BAFA program – progressing from the PT-6 to the F-7 – demonstrated significant skill and dedication. The 35th Squadron, where he was honing his fighter pilot skills, mourns the loss of one of its brightest prospects. Online memorials using hashtags like #TowkirIslamSagar emerged, sharing his photos and expressing national gratitude for his service and sacrifice. His death underscores the inherent risks undertaken by military aviators daily in service to Bangladesh. The BAF announced plans for a formal ceremony to honor his memory, recognizing his ultimate sacrifice. His legacy is intrinsically tied to this tragedy but also to the ideals of courage and commitment he represented.

The loss of Flight Lieutenant Towkir Islam Sagar and the innocent lives at Milestone College leaves an indelible scar on Bangladesh. While investigations continue into the F-7 crash, the nation unites in grief, honoring the pilot who gave his all and demanding concrete steps to prevent future aerial tragedies over its cities. Support the victims’ families through verified relief channels and honor Sagar’s sacrifice by demanding unwavering commitment to aviation safety from all responsible authorities.

Must Know

Who was Flight Lieutenant Towkir Islam Sagar?
Flight Lieutenant Towkir Islam Sagar was a trainee fighter pilot in the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF), part of the 76th BAFA course and assigned to the 35th Squadron. He was known for his discipline, humility, and exceptional promise. With 160 hours of flying experience, including training on PT-6 and F-7 BGI aircraft, he was considered a future star of the BAF before his tragic death in the Dhaka crash.

What happened in the Dhaka F-7 BGI crash?
On July 14, 2025, shortly after takeoff at approximately 1:06 PM, an F-7 BGI fighter jet piloted by Flight Lieutenant Towkir Islam Sagar crashed into Milestone College in Uttara, Dhaka, at around 1:30 PM. The crash caused significant destruction to the school building, resulting in at least 19 fatalities (including Sagar, 16 students, and 2 teachers) and injuring 164 others. It is one of the deadliest aviation accidents in Dhaka’s recent history.

What caused the F-7 BGI crash in Uttara?
The exact cause is under active investigation by the Bangladesh Air Force. A high-level board is examining all possibilities, including potential technical failure of the aircraft (such as engine malfunction or structural issues), pilot incapacitation, or other unforeseen factors. Analysis of the flight data recorder (“black box”) and aircraft wreckage is crucial to determining the definitive cause.

How many people died in the Milestone College plane crash?
The crash resulted in the deaths of at least 19 individuals. This included the pilot, Flight Lieutenant Towkir Islam Sagar, 16 students who were attending classes at Milestone College at the time of the impact, and two teachers. Additionally, 164 people were injured, many critically.

What was Towkir Islam Sagar’s flying experience?
Flight Lieutenant Sagar had accumulated approximately 160 hours of total flying time. This included 100 hours logged on the PT-6 primary trainer aircraft during his initial cadet training with the 15th Squadron. He later transitioned to the advanced F-7 BGI fighter jet as part of his training with the 35th Squadron, where he had flown for an additional 60 hours.