On July 21, 2025, a tragic event unfolded in the Uttara neighborhood of Dhaka, Bangladesh, when a Bangladesh Air Force F‑7 BGI training jet crashed into the grounds of Milestone School and College shortly after takeoff. The accident claimed at least 19 lives—including the pilot—and left 164 people injured, mostly students, many of whom suffered serious burns and broken bones (Reuters).
The F‑7 BGI jet, a Chinese-made variant of the Chengdu J‑7 (based on the Soviet MiG‑21), had departed from BAF Base Bir Uttom A. K. Khandker at approximately 1:06 p.m. local time, en route for a routine training flight (Reuters). According to military reports, the aircraft experienced a mechanical malfunction shortly after its departure (Reuters, AP News, Wikipedia). The pilot, Flight Lieutenant Towkir (Md Towkir Islam Sagar), recognized the danger and made a valiant effort to steer the jet away from densely populated areas and residential buildings before impact (Reuters).
Eyewitnesses described hearing a loud explosion and seeing thick black smoke rise from the school’s two‑story block as students attended classes, including young children in playgroup and early grades (People.com). One teacher recalled, “I heard a big blast. I turned around and saw fire and smoke next to the children’s block” (Reuters, Sky News).
First responders arrived within minutes. Teachers and staff rushed to rescue injured students and help extinguish the flames (People.com). Firefighters and military personnel deployed hoses to control the blaze, which they brought under control by around 2:45 p.m., while medical teams treated hundreds of injured victims (People.com).
Many injured students were rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Uttara Adhunik Hospital, and the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery (AP News). More than 60 victims with severe burns were admitted to burn units, and others suffering from broken bones and minor injuries received care across various facilities. Hospital staff warned that several remained in critical condition (AP News, People.com, Wikipedia).
The pilot had ejected from the aircraft moments before the crash. Witnesses reported seeing him parachute safely to the ground (Jerusalem Post). He was transported to Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Dhaka but later died from his injuries at around 4:20 p.m. (Wikipedia).
The Bangladesh Armed Forces promptly formed a high-level committee to investigate the incident, review jet maintenance and pilot training records, and recommend safety improvements (Reuters). Interim government chief Muhammad Yunus expressed deep sorrow and guaranteed “necessary measures” to assist victims and affected families (AP News).
The government declared Tuesday, July 22, a national day of mourning, ordering flags to fly at half‑mast (AP News). Across the country, public buildings, schools, and offices paused activities to honor the victims (Wikipedia).
International leaders expressed condolences. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered solidarity and pledged support (AP News, Wikipedia).
The tragedy drew comparisons to another regional aviation disaster. Last month, a Air India passenger jet crashed near Ahmedabad, India, killing 241 passengers and 19 people on the ground (Reuters). This latest crash raises broader concerns about aviation safety, both in military and civil sectors.
Residents of Uttara, a densely populated northern Dhaka suburb, reeled in shock. Local shops, homes, and a nearby metro station all witnessed the chaos and devastation (AP News). A student described the terror, saying, “I was in class. Suddenly we heard a big explosion. I ran out and saw fire all around” (AP News, Sky News, Wikipedia).
Milestone School and College, which hosts around 2,000 students, confirmed the plane hit its main gate and then the building housing classrooms and a canteen during active school hours (People.com). The school posted an urgent appeal, asking citizens to donate blood at local hospitals (People.com). Ambulances and army transport vehicles assisted in removing injured students due to shortages of hospital ambulances (People.com).
Wednesday morning saw ongoing rescue efforts. A crane helped clear wreckage, and rescue teams continued searching for potential survivors (AP News, Wikipedia, Wikipedia).
The aircraft involved, tail number 701, entered service around 2013 (Wikipedia). The F‑7 BGI is the most advanced variant of its type in Bangladesh’s fleet, boasting upgraded avionics and radar compared to older models (Wikipedia).
This accident ranks among the deadliest military aviation disasters in Bangladesh’s history involving civilian casualties. The previous similar incident in 2008 also involved an F‑7 trainer jet, although that crash occurred outside Dhaka and resulted in fewer fatalities (Wikipedia).
As the investigation continues, the Air Force and civil aviation authorities will jointly review safety policies, pilot training protocols, maintenance standards, and emergency responses to reduce risks of similar incidents, especially when flights pass over populated areas (Wikipedia, Wikipedia).
This crisis underscores the need for improved aviation safety in Bangladesh. Military and civil aviation sectors must collaborate on stricter safety audits, real-time monitoring systems, and transparent reporting frameworks to safeguard public trust.
In the aftermath, grieving families continue to seek information and support. Government officials promised financial aid and counseling during this national tragedy. Schools nationwide adjusted their schedules to respect the day of mourning and honor the victims.
As Bangladesh mourns, this tragedy prompts reflection on balancing military training needs and civilian safety. Ensuring proper flight paths, rigorous maintenance, and emergency preparedness must become national priorities to prevent such disasters in the future.
