Milestone College students protest plane crash, issue 6-point demand

Students of Milestone College in Uttara have announced a peaceful protest in response to Monday’s deadly Air Force training aircraft crash that struck a college building, killing and injuring multiple students.

The protest began at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the college’s main roundabout. Organizers said the movement will remain peaceful and democratic but firm in seeking justice. They have raised six demands, urging authorities to take immediate action.

The students' six-point demand includes:

Disclosure of the deceased’s names and identities

A complete and accurate list of the injured

A public apology from Air Force personnel for allegedly assaulting teachers at the scene

Compensation for families of deceased students by the Bangladesh Air Force

Replacement of outdated and risky Air Force aircraft with safer models

Reform of training systems and airspace to ensure civilian safety

Student spokesperson Hasib Billah said, “Many of our classmates are traumatized. We don’t want any other school to face such danger. We want a safe learning environment.”

He added that the movement is not limited to Milestone students and called on people from all walks of life to show solidarity with their cause.

On Monday afternoon, an F-7BGI training aircraft of the Bangladesh Air Force crashed into a building of Milestone School and College in Uttara. The crash sparked a fire, causing extensive damage and casualties, many of them schoolchildren.

In a statement, Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus expressed deep sorrow, calling the incident an “irreparable loss” and urging hospitals and authorities to treat the matter with utmost urgency.