On July 21, 2025, a tragic Bangladesh jet crash technical malfunction claimed the lives of at least 20 people when a Bangladesh Air Force F-7 BGI training jet crashed into Milestone School & College in Dhaka’s Uttara area. The aircraft, which had just taken off from Kurmitola Air Base, suffered a serious technical malfunction, triggering a full-scale investigation by the Bangladesh Air Force.
What went wrong?
Military officials confirmed that the Chinese-made F-7 BGI aircraft encountered mechanical issues moments after take-off at 1:06 p.m. Despite the failure, Flight Lieutenant Towkir Islam managed to steer the malfunctioning jet away from densely populated residential areas, aiming for a relatively less crowded school zone to minimize casualties, reported Mint. The jet ultimately crashed into a two-story school building, igniting a massive explosion and fire.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud boom followed by clouds of smoke and panicked screams. The area turned chaotic as students, teachers, and staff scrambled to escape the debris and fire.
Casualties and injuries
Reportedly 27 people, including the pilot, were confirmed dead. Most victims were students and staff of the school. More than 160 others sustained injuries, with many in critical condition. Emergency medical teams rushed the injured to nearby hospitals using ambulances, fire trucks, and private vehicles. Some were carried on stretchers and even in the arms of rescuers, highlighting the scale of devastation.
Among the victims was a teacher who reportedly died while trying to shield her students. A third-grade student is also among the deceased. Hospitals in Dhaka were put on high alert, with emergency wards overflowing with burn and trauma patients.
Government and military response
The Bangladesh Armed Forces responded swiftly. Firefighters and rescue teams worked for hours to extinguish the blaze and extract trapped survivors. The Air Force has set up a high-level committee to investigate the crash and determine whether it was caused by a technical error, human oversight, or equipment failure.
Interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus expressed deep sorrow and ordered a national day of mourning. Flags across Bangladesh were lowered to half-mast on July 22. Religious institutions across the country held special prayers for the victims and their families.
International condolences poured in, with leaders from India, the United States, and several Asian countries expressing solidarity with Bangladesh during this time of grief.
Broader concerns over aircraft safety
This crash has intensified scrutiny of the F-7 BGI aircraft, a Chinese-made jet that has been in use by the Bangladesh Air Force since 2013. Experts have raised concerns over the safety record of this model, especially after previous crashes involving Chinese-manufactured military aircraft in other countries.
Aviation safety experts are calling for immediate audits of aircraft maintenance practices, pilot training procedures, and emergency preparedness—especially in densely populated areas.
The incident also comes weeks after another major aviation tragedy in South Asia, when an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed into a doctors’ hostel in Ahmedabad, killing over 260 people. Together, these incidents underscore an urgent need for regional cooperation on aviation safety reforms.
Pilot hailed as a hero
Flight Lieutenant Towkir Islam is being hailed as a hero for his selfless act. Officials say he could have ejected earlier but stayed with the aircraft long enough to guide it away from residential blocks. He attempted to eject just seconds before impact but succumbed to injuries in hospital.
His actions likely prevented a larger catastrophe, saving countless lives. Tributes to him have flooded social media, with many demanding that he be honored posthumously for his bravery.
Investigation underway
The investigation committee will examine flight data, cockpit voice recordings, maintenance logs, and eyewitness reports. Key areas of focus will include the condition of the jet, its maintenance schedule, and any lapses in operational protocols.
Experts suggest that future training flights must avoid routes over civilian areas, especially schools and hospitals, to prevent similar tragedies.
Photo Credit: Mint
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