Tragedy Strikes Dhaka: Air Force Jet Crashes into Milestone College, 22 Dead, Over 170 Injured

DHAKA, 21 July 2025 :  A Bangladesh Air Force F-7 fighter jet crashed into a building at Milestone College in the capital’s Uttara area around 1:30 PM, leaving at least 22 people dead and more than 171 others injured, in one of the deadliest aviation-related accidents in the country’s recent history.

The ill-fated aircraft, piloted by Flight Lieutenant Mohammad Towkir Islam Sagar, took off at 1:06 PM on a routine training mission but lost control shortly thereafter, slamming into the academic premises during class hours. The pilot was among those confirmed dead at the scene.

Among the victims was Maherin Chowdhury, a respected teacher at Milestone College, whose sudden death has shocked the educational community. Dozens of students and faculty members sustained injuries, many of whom remain in critical condition.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and panic as parts of the building were engulfed in flames and debris scattered across the campus. Students were seen fleeing the area, while others remained trapped inside until emergency responders arrived.

Rescue efforts were immediately launched, with the Bangladesh Army, Air Force, Fire Service and Civil Defence, and local police swiftly mobilizing to the site. Emergency medical teams were deployed to nearby hospitals to treat the wounded.

In a statement issued shortly after the incident, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus expressed “profound shock and deep sorrow” over the tragic loss of life. He extended condolences to the families of the victims and called for a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash.

Authorities have since cordoned off the crash site, and an inquiry team has been formed by the Air Force to determine what led to the tragic accident. Initial reports suggest a possible technical malfunction, but officials have urged the public to await the findings of the official investigation.

The nation mourns as flags fly at half-mast in government institutions, while vigils are being planned by students and civil society organizations in memory of those lost.

This tragedy raises renewed questions about the safety of military training operations in densely populated urban areas. Public calls for stricter airspace regulations near schools and residential zones are already mounting.

As Bangladesh grapples with the scale of the disaster, national attention turns toward accountability, safety reforms, and support for the grieving families and injured survivors.