A Bangladesh Air Force fighter jet crashed into Milestone School and College in Dhaka on Monday, July 21, 2025. In the incident, at least 20 people died including the pilot, and more than 170 were injured, most of them young students who had just returned from class.
According to the military, the F-7 BJI training jet crashed after experiencing engine failure during a routine training flight. The pilot tried to steer the plane away from a crowded area but it crashed into a school building. It was the pilot's first solo flight, Flight Lieutenant Towkir Islam.
Many of the injured were between 8 and 14 years old. The victims were immediately taken to the National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute, where relatives and volunteer blood donors also flocked.
The government has declared a national day of mourning in solidarity with the bereaved. According to Interim Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus, the loss of parents, students, and teachers is inescapable.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed condolences and said they were ready to help in this time of tragedy.
