Key facts
- A Bangladesh Air Force jet crashed into Milestone School and College in Dhaka on July 21, 2025, killing 36 people.
- Most of the victims were children, and over 160 people were injured.
- Families and survivors gathered to mark the one-year anniversary of the crash.
- Victims' families are demanding the public release of the investigation report and better government support.
- The investigation report reportedly cited pilot error and building code violations, contradicting earlier statements about mechanical fault.
- Survivors continue to suffer from physical and psychological trauma, including fear of planes and learning difficulties.
One year after a Bangladesh Air Force jet crashed into Milestone School and College in Dhaka, killing 36 people, families and survivors are still seeking answers and grappling with the aftermath. The incident, which occurred on July 21, 2025, transformed the private institution into a scene of chaos and flames, marking the country's deadliest aviation disaster in decades.
Survivors, many of whom are students, shared their ongoing struggles with physical and psychological trauma. Nure Jannat Yusha, a sixth-grader who suffered burn injuries, described persistent fear of planes and nightmares. Her mother noted a decline in her daughter's studies and aspirations. Other students, like Mehreen, are unable to attend school due to their injuries and have experienced significant impacts on their learning abilities.
Families of the victims gathered at a memorial service, expressing frustration over the lack of transparency regarding the official investigation. While an investigation commission was formed and reportedly submitted its findings in November, the report has not been made public. A copy obtained by BBC Bengali indicated issues such as the school's non-compliance with building codes, numerous buildings violating height restrictions near the airport, insufficient pilot training, and a lack of proper ground supervision. The report stated there was no technical fault with the aircraft, contradicting an earlier statement from the Bangladesh Armed Forces.
Advocates like Mansur Helal, whose wife was a victim, are calling for the government to release the full report and implement its recommendations for better government support and compensation for survivors and victims' families. Health Minister Sardar Sakhawat Hossain assured that the government would support survivors needing further medical treatment. However, the lack of a guaranteed safe environment, with buildings like the one where the accident occurred having only one door for hundreds of students, remains a concern.