Government confirms 29 deaths: Sayedur Rahman

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported 31 deaths from the plane crash at Milestone School and College campus in Uttara, Dhaka. However, Sayedur Rahman, the health advisor to the chief adviser, stated on Tuesday (July 22) that the government has confirmed 29 deaths as of 2:00pm.

Treating burn patients requires 70 to 80 types of medical supplies. The Burn Institute currently has enough supplies to provide treatment for burn victims for the next 72 hours. After that, further measures will be taken depending on the situation.

At a briefing at the National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute in the afternoon, Sayedur Rahman said the government confirmed 19 deaths at Dhaka Combined Military Hospital (CMH) and 10 deaths at the Burn Institute. Among the deceased are two teachers from Milestone School. In addition, Lubna General Hospital in Uttara has two bodies of burn victims but could not confirm if they died in the crash.

He said, “One body was sent from Uttara Modern Medical College to CMH. This caused a difference in the numbers we have. We reported 15 deaths, and CMH has 15 bodies, while ISPR reported 16. It will take time to clear up these differences.”

“There will be some delay in resolving confusion about the number of deaths, but the uncertainty will be cleared,” he said.

According to the latest data, a total of 69 patients are receiving treatment in all hospitals. Except for three patients in CMH, all others are being treated at the Burn Institute. Three patients from the Burn Unit of Dhaka Medical College Hospital have also been moved to the institute. Of the admitted patients, 30 are in serious condition, and 10 are critical.

The special assistant said, “The government has contacted Singapore General Hospital. Around midnight on Tuesday, a specialist doctor and two nurses from there will arrive in Bangladesh. After their arrival, the situation will be assessed and further action will be taken. Burn patients who cannot be treated in the country will be sent abroad at the government’s expense if necessary.”

“Six unidentified bodies are being kept. Four guardians have already contacted us, and their DNA samples have been taken. After testing, the bodies will be handed over. If others come forward, their DNA samples will also be collected and tested before handing over the bodies,” he added.

Noting that the large number of journalists is disrupting medical services, the special assistant requested, “If possible, the latest information will be updated hour by hour on the Health Directorate’s website.” Journalists can collect information from there and are requested not to crowd the hospitals.

Health advisor Nurjahan Begum and doctors from the National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute were also present at the briefing.