Families of Milestone tragedy victims demand justice, call for school relocation

Grieving families of the students who lost their lives in the recent plane crash at Milestone School and College in Uttara’s Diabari have presented eight demands to the authorities, calling for the relocation of the school and a full investigation into the incident.

On Tuesday morning, the victims' relatives formed a human chain near the Metro Station Depot adjacent to the school. Accusing the school of negligence and commercial exploitation, they voiced frustration over what they described as insensitivity and attempts to silence them with offers of free tuition for surviving siblings.

“The school is trying to appease us by offering free education. We want this institution shut down,” said Sanzida, an aunt of one of the victims. “I couldn’t even see my niece’s body after returning from abroad. If justice is not done here, I’ll seek international human rights intervention.”

The protesting families outlined the following key demands:

A fair, transparent investigation and justice for the victims

A nationwide ban on coaching businesses operated by schools, including Milestone

Compensation of Tk5 crore for each deceased child and Tk1 crore for each injured child, to be paid by the government

Compensation of Tk2 crore for each deceased and Tk1 crore for each injured child, to be paid by the school authorities

Immediate relocation of the school away from the airport runway, or alternatively, relocation of the runway

Removal and prosecution of branch head teacher Ms Khadija, who is accused of operating an illegal coaching business, within 72 hours

Public release of all CCTV footage from the day of the incident

Relocation of Air Force training activities to uninhabited areas to prevent further tragedies

Sabbir, uncle of victim Umme Afia, expressed frustration over the lack of progress in the investigation.

“Weeks have passed, and we still have no answers,” he said.

Leon, another parent, called for stricter oversight of coaching practices, which he claimed contributed to the deaths.

Rina Akter, whose daughter Saima was among the deceased, alleged that children faced pressure to enroll in private coaching arranged by school staff.

“Students were treated differently if they didn’t join coaching. My daughter died because of that pressure,” she said, accusing school founder Col (Retd) Nurun Nabi of ignoring families’ concerns. “You offered free education to our surviving children. But why didn’t you care when they were alive? You say there are no coaching classes, but your staff profit from them. And now, you’re trying to silence us.”

Calls for Accountability Grow Louder
The protest ended with chants demanding justice, accountability, and meaningful reforms to prevent future tragedies. Families warned they would continue protests until their demands are met and those responsible are held accountable.