A Bangladesh plane crash has left the nation reeling after a military training jet plunged into a busy school and college campus in Dhaka on Monday, July 21, 2025. This catastrophic incident, now the deadliest plane crash in the capital in years, claimed at least 19 lives and injured over 160 people, sparking shock and mourning across the country.
The Incident – What Happened in Dhaka?
Shortly after 1:00 p.m. local time, an F-7 BGI training aircraft operated by the Bangladesh Air Force took off from the AK Khandker Air Force Base. Within minutes, witnesses saw the Bangladesh plane crash as the jet lost control and slammed into the Milestone School and College campus in the Uttara district of northern Dhaka. The building was packed with students and staff attending afternoon classes.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and panic, with a massive explosion, plumes of black smoke, and terrified parents running to find their children. The plane hit a two-story structure, leaving a large gaping hole and igniting a fire that quickly spread through the building.
Bangladesh Plane Crash: Rescue Efforts and Immediate Response
Within minutes, emergency services—including fire crews, soldiers, and medical workers—rushed to the scene. Rescue teams braved flames and thick smoke to pull trapped students, teachers, and staff from the wreckage. Local residents joined the efforts, using rickshaws and any available vehicles to transport the injured to hospitals.
- Casualties: At least 19 people, including the pilot and mostly students, lost their lives in the Bangladesh plane crash. More than 160 others suffered injuries, and many are being treated for severe burns and critical trauma in multiple hospitals across Dhaka.
- Rescue Status: The site remained highly dangerous due to fire and structural damage, and authorities warned that casualty numbers could still rise as some people might be trapped beneath the debris.
Bangladesh Plane Crash Investigation and Government Reaction
Authorities have launched a high-level investigation into the cause of the Bangladesh plane crash. Early reports suggest the F-7 BGI training jet, a Chinese-made model in service with the Bangladesh Air Force, experienced a mechanical failure moments after takeoff. The aircraft’s pilot, Flight Lieutenant Md. Toukir Islam, reportedly attempted to steer the jet away from more densely populated areas before impact. Officials are scrutinizing maintenance records and flight data to understand what went wrong.
In direct response to the tragedy, Bangladesh’s interim leader Muhammad Yunus declared a national day of mourning. The government has pledged support to victims and their families and ordered all relevant agencies to prioritize the ongoing investigation. Special prayers and the lowering of flags took place across the nation.
Impact on the Community
Milestone School and College is one of the largest private educational institutions in Dhaka, serving around 2,000 students from elementary to twelfth grade. When the crash occurred, about 1,000 students were on campus. Survivors describe the terror and confusion as the jet tore through the building, with many still searching for missing friends and classmates.
The tragedy has left families in deep sorrow and the city gripped by collective grief. Counseling and support are being arranged for the traumatized survivors and bereaved families. Citizens nationwide have united in offering condolences and solidarity.
Previous Crashes and Aviation Concerns
Bangladesh has suffered aviation disasters before, but the magnitude of this incident is particularly severe. Over the last decade, the region has witnessed other tragic air accidents, including a passenger plane crash in Nepal in 2018 involving a Bangladeshi-US operator. Such events raise renewed questions about training, equipment, and safety standards for both commercial and military aviation.
What’s Next?
As the investigation unfolds, authorities will continue to search for answers about the Bangladesh plane crash. Victims’ families await accountability, and calls have grown for comprehensive improvements in flight safety standards. The Milestone School and College campus remains cordoned off as structural engineers assess safety before students can return.
Tragedies like the Bangladesh plane crash touch every layer of the community. If you have thoughts or want to share support for those affected, join the conversation below—your voices matter.