HC orders probe into Uttara plane crash, seeks compensation for victims

The High Court has directed the government to form a committee of experts to investigate the recent Bangladesh Air Force fighter jet crash at Milestone School and College in Uttara's Diabari area, which left at least 31 students and civilians dead and many others injured.

The order was issued today (22 July), by the High Court bench of Justice Fahmida Khatun and Justice Syed Zahid Mansur.

Along with the investigation directive, the court also issued a ruling asking why adequate compensation should not be provided to the families of those killed or injured in the incident.

The court's directives follow a writ petition filed in the aftermath of the tragic crash, which occurred when a Bangladesh Air Force aircraft crashed into the Milestone School and College campus, resulting in numerous casualties among students, staff, and bystanders.

Senior lawyers Advocate Zainul Abedin (Vice Chairman of the Bar Council), Barrister Kaiser Kamal, Advocate Gazi Kamrul Islam Sajal, and Advocate Siddiq Ullah Mia stood for the writ. Representing the state were Deputy Attorney General Shafiqul Rahman, Tanim Khan, Assistant Attorney General Ikramul Kabir, and Md Isa.

The writ, submitted by Advocate Anisur Rahman Rayan Biswas, sought a ban on the operation of defective aircraft—including military planes—over densely populated areas like Dhaka until safety can be assured.

The petition also demanded detailed disclosure from the Bangladesh Air Force regarding the number of defective aircraft in service and their maintenance records.

Furthermore, the petition urged the government to send injured students, teachers, and parents abroad for advanced medical treatment. It also demanded Tk5 crore in compensation for each student killed in the crash and Tk1 crore for each injured individual.