Devastation Strikes Milestone School in Dhaka
A catastrophic event unfolded on July 21 in Dhaka, Bangladesh, when a Bangladesh Air Force F-7 BGI training jet crashed into the Milestone School and College in the Uttara neighborhood. The jet, which had just taken off for a routine training exercise, suffered a mechanical failure, leading to the tragic loss of at least 31 lives, including 25 children. The impact left 171 others injured, marking this as one of the deadliest aviation disasters in the country's recent history.
The crash occurred moments after Farhan Hasan, a Year 10 student, had finished an exam and stepped out of his classroom. He recounted the horrifying moment, saying, 'My friend died right in front of me.' The sheer scale of the disaster has left the community reeling, with families mourning the loss of young lives cut short in an instant.
Community and Government Response to the Tragedy
In the aftermath of the crash, anger and grief spilled onto the streets of Dhaka. On July 22, students protested near the crash site, demanding accountability and answers as government officials inspected the area. Bangladeshi police resorted to tear gas to disperse the crowds, highlighting the tension and frustration felt by many over the incident.
The Bangladesh Air Force confirmed the cause as a 'technical malfunction' shortly after takeoff, though further details on the specific nature of the failure remain under investigation. The government has faced criticism for the incident, with calls for improved safety measures and oversight of military training operations near populated areas like schools.
This disaster has sparked a broader conversation about aviation safety protocols in Bangladesh, especially concerning military aircraft operating close to civilian zones. The pain of loss is palpable, as stories like Farhan Hasan's remind the nation of the human toll behind the statistics.
Lasting Impact and Questions Ahead
The crash at Milestone School and College is not just a singular event but a somber reminder of the risks associated with military operations in urban settings. With 31 confirmed deaths and many more injured, the incident has become a focal point for public outcry and policy debate. Families and survivors are left to grapple with trauma, while officials face mounting pressure to prevent such tragedies in the future.
As investigations continue, questions linger about whether adequate precautions were in place and if similar incidents could be avoided through stricter regulations or relocated training zones. The nation mourns, and for students like Farhan Hasan, the memory of that fateful day will remain etched forever, a stark reminder of lives lost too soon.