Bangladesh Air Force Jet Crashes into School in Dhaka: One Dead, Several Injured in Devastating Incident
Dhaka, July 21, 2025 — In a tragic and deeply alarming event, a Bangladesh Air Force fighter jet crashed into the premises of Milestone School and College in the Uttara area of Dhaka on Monday afternoon, leaving one person dead and at least four others injured. The incident has sent shockwaves across the country and raised urgent questions about aviation safety protocols, especially in densely populated urban areas.
The Incident
The crash occurred around 2:30 PM local time when a Chengdu F-7 BGI aircraft — a Chinese-made fighter jet used by the Bangladesh Air Force primarily for training purposes — nose-dived into the school compound during what authorities have described as a training sortie. Witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion followed by thick black smoke rising into the air. The crash site quickly became a scene of chaos and panic as flames engulfed the wreckage and frightened students and staff scrambled for safety.
Milestone School and College, a well-known private educational institution located in the northern part of Dhaka, was in session at the time. Several classrooms suffered structural damage, with windows blown out and walls partially collapsed due to the impact of the crash.
Emergency Response
Fire service officials, police, and military personnel rushed to the scene within minutes. Firefighters worked swiftly to control the blaze, while emergency medical teams administered first aid and transported the injured to nearby hospitals.
Lima Khan, a senior fire officer present at the site, confirmed that at least one person had been killed in the incident, though their identity was being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Four others — reportedly including school staff and possibly students — sustained injuries and were receiving treatment.
“The situation was extremely volatile when we arrived,” said Khan. “There were flames, smoke, and panicked civilians everywhere. We focused on rescuing the injured and securing the area.”
Eyewitness Accounts
Eyewitnesses described the terrifying moment the jet descended toward the school. “There was a deafening sound, like thunder, and then we saw smoke and fire,” said a local shopkeeper near the school. “Children were screaming and running out. Some were crying, some were covered in dust and debris. It was horrifying.”
A teacher at the school, who asked not to be named, said, “We immediately evacuated the students. Thank God most of them were in the opposite wing of the building. Otherwise, the casualty count could have been much higher.”
Military Confirmation and Investigation
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) department of the Bangladesh Armed Forces confirmed that the crashed aircraft was a Chengdu F-7 BGI, a supersonic fighter jet used for both combat and pilot training. The aircraft was conducting a routine training exercise when it reportedly lost control and crashed.
As of Monday evening, there was no official word on whether the pilot survived or managed to eject before impact. The Bangladesh Air Force has stated that a formal inquiry board has been constituted to investigate the crash, focusing on possible causes such as mechanical failure, pilot error, or adverse weather conditions.
Concerns Over Aircraft Safety
This incident has reignited a national debate over the safety of Bangladesh’s military aviation fleet, particularly the aging Chengdu F-7 series, which is a derivative of the 1960s-era Soviet MiG-21 design. While these aircraft have served the Bangladesh Air Force for decades, concerns have been raised in recent years over their maintenance and reliability.
A retired air force officer, speaking anonymously, remarked, “These jets are aging and prone to technical glitches. While they are still operational, they demand very high levels of maintenance and care. Incidents like these show the urgent need to modernize our fleet.”
Government Response and Public Reaction
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s office issued a statement calling the crash “deeply unfortunate” and offered condolences to the family of the deceased. The government has promised full support to those injured and has instructed authorities to assess the extent of damage to the school.
“The safety of our citizens, especially children in educational institutions, must be our highest priority,” the statement said. “We are committed to ensuring such tragedies do not repeat.”
The Education Ministry has ordered a temporary closure of the school for assessment and repairs. Trauma counseling will also be provided to students and staff affected by the incident.
Outside the school, scenes of heartbreak and anxiety played out as parents gathered, desperate for information about their children’s safety. Many had rushed from work or home upon hearing the news.
“I couldn’t believe it,” said one tearful mother. “I came running from my office. My daughter studies in Class 7 here. Thankfully, she’s safe — but she’s shaken. We’re all shaken.”
A City in Shock
As the sun set over Dhaka, the scorched remains of the aircraft and the damaged school building stood as grim reminders of the day’s horror. Flags flew at half-mast across several government institutions, and a moment of silence was observed in Parliament for the deceased.
This marks one of the deadliest military aviation accidents in an urban area of Dhaka in recent years and has prompted urgent calls for a reevaluation of flight paths over populated zones and the retirement of outdated aircraft models.
What Happens Next
A multi-agency investigation is now underway. Civil aviation experts, military officials, and forensic teams are working together to determine what led to the catastrophic crash. Initial findings are expected within the next week.
Meanwhile, the affected community is left grappling with grief, shock, and unanswered questions. Parents are demanding more accountability. Education activists are calling for stronger disaster preparedness protocols in schools. And military analysts are urging a fast-track modernization of Bangladesh’s aging aircraft fleet.
As the country mourns, one thing is clear: this tragedy has left a lasting scar — one that will take time, answers, and serious reforms to heal.
