The death toll from Monday’s tragic crash of a Bangladeshi military jet into a school in Dhaka has risen to 31, sparking widespread public outrage and protests across the capital.
According to reports, the Chinese-made F-7 BGI fighter jet, which was on a routine training flight, crashed into the Milestone School and College at approximately 1:20 p.m. local time. The aircraft exploded moments after students had begun leaving their classrooms for the day. Eyewitnesses described hearing a thunderous blast, followed by thick plumes of black smoke engulfing the school grounds.
At least 25 children were killed instantly, while dozens of others sustained critical injuries. Several classrooms were completely destroyed in the explosion. Devastated parents, many of whom had dropped off their children that morning, rushed to the scene only to find it engulfed in flames.
“I took her to school like every other day,” said one grieving father. “I never imagined that would be the last time I would see her alive.”
By Tuesday morning, health officials confirmed that the number of fatalities had climbed to 31, with more than 70 victims still receiving treatment in hospitals across the city.
Military sources revealed that the pilot had attempted to divert the aircraft away from the populated area after experiencing mechanical failure, but was unable to avoid disaster. He died on impact.
In the wake of the tragedy, students and citizens took to the streets of Dhaka, accusing the government and military of gross negligence. Demonstrators gathered near the government secretariat, chanting slogans like, “Why did our brothers die? We demand answers!” Some protesters blocked roads, while others clashed with riot police, further escalating tensions.
A mother whose son narrowly survived the blast recounted her son’s harrowing escape: “He jumped from the ground floor onto the grass to extinguish the flames. He tore off his shirt and vest, which helped prevent more severe burns.”
The interim government issued a statement expressing condolences and pledging a full investigation. “The government, military, school, and hospital officials are collaborating to compile and release a complete list of victims,” it said. “The air force will be directed to avoid operating training flights over populated areas.”
Public outrage has grown louder, with demands for compensation for the victims’ families, grounding of outdated fighter jets, and reforms to military flight operations in civilian areas.
The F-7 BGI jet involved in the crash is the most advanced variant of China’s Chengdu J-7 series, itself modeled after the Soviet MiG-21. Bangladesh acquired 16 of these jets between 2011 and 2013.
The crash comes just weeks after a deadly aviation disaster in Ahmedabad, India, in which an Air India aircraft crash claimed 260 lives—marking the worst airline tragedy in a decade.
Bangladesh remains politically volatile following the 2024 exile of the former prime minister amid student-led uprisings. The current interim administration is under increasing pressure to deliver reforms and fast-track elections, which are scheduled for next year.
This latest catastrophe has further deepened the national mood of grief and discontent.
