Milestone tragedy: CID confirms identities of 5 victims using DNA samples
The CID Forensic Department gathered 11 DNA samples and compared them with profiles obtained from 11 members of five missing families
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has confirmed the identities of five individuals who were charred to death when a Bangladesh Air Force jet crashed into Milestone School and College in Dhaka's Uttara on 21 July.
According to a CID press release issued today (24 July), the Forensic Department collected 11 DNA samples from the six unidentified bodies, five body parts preserved at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH).
The samples were analysed against DNA profiles collected from 11 members of five missing families between 22 and 23 July.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Speaking on condition of anonymity, an officer from the CID Forensic DNA Lab, told The Business Standard, "We received DNA samples from 11 individuals yesterday. After analysing them, we confirmed the identities of five people."
The identified victims are Okiya Ferdous Nidhi, daughter of Faruk Hossain and Salma Akter, Lamia Akhter Sonia, daughter of Babul and Majeda, Afsana Akter Priya, daughter of Abbas Uddin and Minu Akter, Raisa Moni, daughter of Shahabul Sheikh and Mim, and Marium Umme Afia, daughter of Abdul Kadir and Umme Tamima Akter.
The tragic crash resulted in the deaths of 31 people, mostly children.
Earlier in a statement, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare urged all individuals who are still searching for missing family members to visit the CID headquarters at Malibagh and assist with the DNA matching process.
