Fighter Plane Crash: A Tragic Event at Milestone School
Fighter Plane Crash: A Tragic Event at Milestone School
On what was supposed to be a normal school day, joy turned into horror as tragedy struck Milestone School in Uttara. A fighter plane-part of a routine training exercise-spiraled out of control and crashed into the school premises, causing immense devastation.
In the blink of an eye, lives were lost, dreams shattered, and a peaceful morning transformed into one of the darkest days in the school’s history. Among the lives lost were Flight lieutenant Towkir Islam Sagor, a skilled and selfless pilot, and Mahreen Chowdhury, a beloved teacher who died protecting her students. Several young students also lost their lives, and many others are fighting for recovery in local hospitals.
This article is a tribute-to the courage, the pain, and the unity that followed this unimaginable catastrophe.
Bangladesh Air Force Fighter Jet-F-7BG:
The F-7BG is a supersonic fighter aircraft operated by the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF). It is a variant of the Chinese-built Chengdu F-7, which itself is based on the legendary Soviet MiG-21 design. Acquired in the mid-2000s, the F-7BG remains an integral part of Bangladesh's air defense and training fleet.
Though not considered a modern multi-role fighter by today’s standards, the F-7BG has played a vital role in maintaining aerial sovereignty and in pilot training missions within BAF.
Technical Specifications:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Aircraft Model | Chengdu F-7BG |
| Origin | China |
| Manufacturer | Chengdu Aircraft Corporation |
| Design Base | Soviet MiG-21 Fishbed |
| Engine | 1 × Liyang WP-13F turbojet |
| Maximum Speed | Mach 2.0 (approx. 2,120 km/h) |
| Range | 850–1,200 km |
| Service Ceiling | 17,000 meters (approx. 55,700 ft) |
| Armament | |
| • 2 × 30mm automatic cannons | |
| • PL-5 or PL-7 short-range air-to-air missiles | |
| • Bombs and unguided rocket pods |
What Happened? - The Timeline of the Tragedy:
Date: July 21, 2025
Time: Approx. 01:15 PM
Location: Milestone School & College, Diabari, Uttara, Dhaka
Aircraft: Bangladesh Air Force Fighter Jet-F-7BG (as per initial reports)
Flight Purpose: Routine training session
Key Facts:
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The fighter jet took off from Tejgaon Air Base and lost control mid-air due to suspected technical failure.
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Attempts were made by Flight lieutenant Towkir Islam Sagor to steer the aircraft away from the populated area.
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Realizing the jet would crash into the school, Towkir reportedly made a final maneuver to minimize damage.
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The plane crashed into a section of the school where students were attending a workshop.
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The explosion and debris caused the deaths of at least 200 students, with over 300 others injured.
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Mahreen Chowdhury, a teacher at Milestone School, was killed while trying to evacuate students from a collapsing classroom.
Remembering the Heroes:
Squadron Leader Towkir Islam: A Pilot’s Final Sacrifice
He leaves behind a grieving family, proud colleagues, and a legacy of courage that will inspire generations.
“He had mere seconds to decide-and he chose others’ lives over his own.” - Bangladesh Air Force Official
Mahreen Chowdhury: A Teacher Until Her Final Breath
She ushered several students to safety before the roof of her classroom collapsed on her. Her final act was one of pure heroism.
“She was more than a teacher. She was our protector.” — A survivor, Class 7
The Impact: Lives Shattered, Dreams Paused
Lost Innocence:
The tragedy at Milestone School did more than take lives — it stole innocence.
In a place meant for learning, laughter, and dreams, the sound of a crashing fighter jet shattered not only the walls of classrooms but also the tender hearts of children. The sight of smoke-filled corridors, collapsing ceilings, and friends covered in dust and blood is an image no child should ever carry — yet hundreds now do.
For the students who survived, the trauma runs deep. The once joyful sound of a school bell now echoes with fear. The seats once filled with laughter now sit empty, a painful reminder of friends who will never return. What should have been a time of spelling tests, drawing lessons, and lunchbox giggles became a moment frozen in terror.
"I saw her sitting next to me in the morning. By afternoon, I was looking at her empty seat."- A Class 6 Survivor
These are not just headlines or casualty numbers — they are children. With dreams of becoming doctors, artists, cricketers, and engineers. Their world, once simple and safe, now carries the weight of trauma, confusion, and unimaginable loss.
Parents now hold their children a little tighter. Teachers walk the halls with a new sense of fragility. And a generation of students carries a scar that textbooks cannot heal.
This tragedy claimed the lives of children who came to school with dreams of learning, playing, and building futures. Their stories, although short-lived, remain etched in the hearts of parents, friends, and an entire nation.
Injured and Recovering:
While the world mourns those lost in the Milestone School plane crash, dozens of injured students and teachers now face a long, uncertain road to recovery-both physically and emotionally.
The explosion and debris left many severely wounded. From burns and fractures to internal injuries and trauma-related shock, the survivors carry visible and invisible scars. Several children are currently receiving treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Combined Military Hospital (CMH), and other private facilities under the supervision of top medical teams.
Several students and staff members are currently undergoing treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital and private medical centers. The government has pledged full support for their medical expenses.
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Community Response: Grief, Unity, and Action
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| Community Response: Grief, Unity and Action |
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Emergency responders rushed to the scene within minutes.
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Parents and volunteers helped evacuate survivors.
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Local residents opened their homes and hearts to those affected.
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Nationwide mourning was declared for the victims, and flags flew at half-mast.
Flags flew at half-mast, and social media was flooded with condolence messages, prayers, and calls for accountability. For a nation that has seen tragedy before, this incident struck an especially deep nerve-because it involved children, education, and the very heart of hope. Schools across Dhaka observed moments of silence, and memorials were held in honor of those lost.
Emotional & Mental Health Concerns:
Children who once saw school as a safe haven now carry fear in their eyes. Teachers who once taught with joy now speak with trembling voices. For every physical injury, there are dozens of invisible wounds still bleeding within.
Trauma counselors have been deployed to Milestone School and College to help students cope with grief, shock, and survivor’s guilt. Mental health professionals emphasize the importance of long-term support for children affected by such violent experiences.
Government and Institutional Response:
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Bangladesh Air Force has launched a full investigation into the crash, including technical checks and flight records.
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Education Ministry has directed all schools to review emergency preparedness.
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Chief Advisor Professor Dr. Muhammad Younus expressed deep sorrow and personally reached out to the families of the victims.
A Message from the Heart:
To the grieving families-no words can fill the void you feel. But your children, your loved ones, and their sacrifices will never be forgotten. The courage of people like Mahreen Chowdhury and Towkir Islam stands as a beacon of light in this dark moment.
To the survivors-your pain is valid. You are not alone. This nation stands beside you as you heal.
To the students who will return to that school-you are stronger than you know.
Conclusion:
Let us not forget those we lost. Let their memories lead us to build a safer, more prepared, and more compassionate future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
How did the crash happen?
Initial reports suggest a mechanical failure during a training flight. The pilot tried to redirect the plane away from residential zones, which resulted in the crash into the school premises.
Who were the casualties?
Squadron Leader Towkir Islam (pilot), Mahreen Chowdhury (teacher), and at least 12 students died. Over 30 others were injured.
What is the current condition of the injured students?
Several students are in stable condition, but some remain critical. Continuous medical support is being provided.
Will families of the victims receive support?
Yes, the government and Milestone School authorities have confirmed financial aid, psychological counseling, and long-term educational support for affected families.
Is it safe for fighter jets to train over civilian areas?
This incident has reignited debate about flight safety regulations in densely populated areas. Authorities are reviewing existing protocols.
