Grief, angst and anger

Highlights

• Death toll rises to 32; may climb further
• 10 more succumbed to injuries on Tuesday
• At least 69 are still hospitalised  
• Many injured sustain severe burns

Bangladesh mourned yesterday, haunted by nerve-wracking images of burning children, charred bodies, blazing wreckage, and desperate screams the day after the deadly jet crash at Milestone School and College. It's a shock that's hard — if not impossible — to shake off.

The death toll from Monday's crash has climbed to 32, most of them schoolchildren, as of filing this report early Wednesday (23 July). 

Another boy, Nafi, 9, who suffered 95% burns in the incident, died in ICU at 12:15am, confirmed Dr Shawon Bin Rahman, resident surgeon (emergency) at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery (NIBPS).

The health ministry in the afternoon reported 29 deaths, while Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) put the toll at 31.

Dr Sayedur Rahman, special assistant to the chief adviser, acknowledged the discrepancy in the number of deaths, citing deaths at Lubna General Hospital & Cardiac Centre that were not formally recorded. 

"Two individuals were declared dead on the spot and taken away by their families before registration. Variance in data is expected when multiple hospitals are involved, but we are working to reconcile the numbers," he said.

At least 69 others still remain hospitalised — many with severe burns — across several hospitals in the capital, including the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery (NIBPS).

Outside the burn institute, people from all walks of life gathered to donate blood — some elderly, some young, and even members of the transgender community. 

Nasir Uddin, an elderly man believed to be over 70, defied his family to travel alone and donate blood for the injured children. "This is the least I can do," he told volunteers.

But amid the devastation, stories of courage and heartbreak have emerged.

Maherin Chowdhury, a coordinator and teacher at Milestone, reportedly rescued at least 20 students before succumbing to 100% burn injuries. Her sacrifice has become a symbol of courage in the face of catastrophe.

Fourth-grader Raisa's body was found at CMH, a day after the incident. Before finding her body, her family was only able to recover her charred schoolbag and books. And little Ayan, lying in the ICU, repeatedly cried, "I don't want to stay here anymore. Take me away."

Fourteen-year-old Makin, who commuted from Gazipur to Milestone every day, now lies in intensive care. His uncle Suman recounted how he was first rushed to Uttara Adhunik Medical College Hospital before being transferred to NIBPS.

"Ma, I'm going to school. Ta-ta!" – said a nine-year-old Sayma to her mother before leaving her Gazipur home on Monday morning.

Taslima Akhter, a teacher at the Milestone College, who was on campus during the crash, later shared her ordeal in a Facebook post titled "Horrific July 21, 2025." Her fourth-grade son survived — barely.

Elsewhere, funerals were held for young victims: Samiul Karim was buried in Barishal, while Sayma was laid to rest in the yard of her home in Gazipur's Biprobortha village.

Flight Lieutenant Towkir Islam Sagar, the pilot of the ill-fated jet, was laid to rest in Rajshahi with state honours. 

A Bangladesh Air Force F-7 BGI training jet crashed into Milestone School and College's Uttara Diabari campus on Monday, killing nearly a dozen people on the spot.

On Monday, Bangladesh observed a one-day state mourning. The national flag was flown at half-mast across all government and private institutions, both at home and abroad.

But for the families who've lost children, teachers, and loved ones, mourning won't be confined to a single day. The flames have died, but the fury, grief, and unanswered questions remain.

Shockwaves beyond the school walls

The tragedy has become a national awakening. Students of Milestone staged protests yesterday, demanding an accurate list of casualties and stricter safety measures during military training exercises. 

Their six-point demand received public backing, with the government stating it "couldn't agree more."

During the protests, Law Adviser Asif Nazrul, Education Adviser CR Abrar, and Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam were reportedly confined in the school building for nine hours, reflecting the intensity of public outrage.

The Bangladesh Air Force confirmed via ISPR that the F-7 BGI fighter jet crashed due to a technical failure. But many remain unconvinced with questions such as Why are ageing jets still being flown? Why are air force training missions conducted from within a densely populated capital? Why do military and civilian aviation share the same airport?

These are questions that citizens, political leaders, experts, and now the courts are demanding answers to.

The High Court has ordered the formation of a committee of aviation experts to investigate the crash. It also issued a ruling asking why adequate compensation should not be paid to the families of the deceased and the injured.

'Someone must answer for these deaths'

Abdullah Faruque, a former Biman captain, said, "In densely populated areas of the world, where there is only a single runway handling numerous domestic and international flights, you don't see air force bases nearby.

"I've landed at many airports in Europe, such as Heathrow, Frankfurt, Paris, and Brussels, but never saw a fighter jet," he posted on Facebook.

The sentiment is shared by ordinary people across the city.

"I even check my rickshaw before I head out for the day. That pilot tried; he even died. There must be an issue with the plane," said Tajul Islam, a rickshaw puller near DMCH, clearly disturbed by the tragedy.

"Someone must answer for these deaths," he added.