Milestone Tragedy: Expressions of grief and some observations

July 21, 2025, Monday, was a sunny day in the Bengali month of Srabon. But at noon that day, a tragic crash or accident of a Bangladesh Air Force fighter jet at the campus of Milestone School and College turned the day into a national tragedy for Bangladesh. In an instant, the Diabari campus in Uttara seemed to transform into an unknown battlefield, where no one was an enemy of another. Many children, who had packed their bags to return home, lost their lives. Many parents lost their little princes and princesses forever. The pilot of the aircraft, promising Air Force officer Flight Lieutenant Towkir Islam, also perished. So far, 34 people have died in the accident, most of them school children.

Some deaths heavier than Tai Mountains
This heartbreaking loss has left people across the country stunned in grief. The entire nation mourns deeply. No one has the words to express this sorrow. That day, everybody cried. Even the skies over Bangladesh wept. The words of Mao Zedong came to my mind: “Some deaths are heavier than the Tai Mountains.” The Milestone tragedy united all of Bangladesh in tears. On the other hand, weaknesses in disaster management, security structure, communication systems, and aviation have become starkly evident. The Milestone tragedy has issued crucial warning signs, which the relevant authorities must understand. But for now, the priority must be proper treatment for the injured, standing by the affected families, asking for forgiveness, and prayer.

A unique air crash
There have been air accidents in the Bangladesh Air Force before. In the past 21 years, 26 military aircrafts have been involved in accidents. Many pilots have died. But thanks to the skill of accomplished pilots, no accident had previously resulted in deaths on the ground. This is because Bangladeshi pilots receive special training with this in mind. Unfortunately, the Milestone incident was an exception, in which 34 people have already died, and 165 have been injured.

How the accident happened
Flight Lieutenant Towkir Islam of Squadron 35 took off from ‘BAF Base Bir Uttam AK Khandaker’ in Kurmitola at 1:06pm on July 21 as part of regular training in an FT-7 BGI fighter jet of the Air Force. This was his first solo flight in this aircraft. Notably, on April 10, 2025, the name of this air base was changed to honour Air Vice Marshal AK Khandaker Bir Uttam, the first Chief of the Air Force and Deputy Chief of Staff of the Liberation Forces.

According to ISPR, shortly after take-off, the single-engine aircraft experienced mechanical failure. To avoid a major disaster, the young pilot tried his best to divert the aircraft to a sparsely populated area. Unfortunately, the Chinese-made FT-7, inducted into the Air Force in 2012, crashed onto the ‘Ali Haider Building’ (school section) of Milestone School and College. The time was 1:12pm. An investigation is now underway. Details of the accident may become clearer after the investigation is complete.

Those who covered bodies of mother-child with their own uniforms
The Bangladesh Ordnance Factory (BOF) is located in Shimultali, Gazipur. This factory started operations in 1970. Just south of it lies the Bangladesh Machine Tools Factory (BMTF). In 2016, the 43 SHORAD Missile Regiment was established as part of BMTF. I had the opportunity to work at this ordnance factory for some time. Many Army officers working at BOF viewed this nearby and sole military unit as “their own.” We knew many of its officers and soldiers.

About a year ago, the 43 SHORAD Regiment established a camp at Diabari in Uttara, just 100 yards from Milestone School and College. The commanding officer is Lieutenant Colonel Tahsin Haque Chowdhury. This regiment falls under the 6 Independent Air Defence Brigade. Notably, on November 11, 2024, the Bangladesh Army launched the ‘Army Air Defence Corps’ as an independent corps.

Upon hearing of the aircraft crash at Milestone School, a team of soldiers from this camp arrived at the scene within minutes and began rescue operations. Soon after, the fire service, police, RAB, Air Force, Navy, and BGB arrived. Several more units from the 6 Independent Air Defence Brigade also joined the rescue operation.

Major Mehedi from this regiment saw the bodies of a woman and a child lying on a walkway inside the school. He was immediately struck with the thought of preserving the dignity of the woman. Major Mehedi then removed his beloved combat uniform to cover her body. Seeing the example set by his battery commander, soldier Ashiqur Rahman also removed his uniform to cover the child’s body. Major Mehedi and soldier Ashiq thus became true images of soldiers.

Maherin Chowdhury, Masuka Begum, and brave rescuers
After the crash, the area was engulfed in smoke and flames. Despite the heat, fumes, and gas, the Army team from the nearby Diabari camp began the rescue operation. Later, the fire service, police, RAB, Navy, Air Force, and BGB also joined.

It is hard to imagine from afar how difficult it was to carry out rescue operations amidst the intense heat and smoke. At this time, students and teachers from Milestone School and College displayed extraordinary courage and humanity, along with the fire service and Army. Local people also contributed to the rescue efforts.

Teacher Maherin Chowdhury shielded 20 children one by one with her own body until she was engulfed in the fiery jet fuel blaze. Even when surrounded by fire and deadly fumes, she continued to rescue students without thinking of her own life. Beloved by her students, “Maherin Ma’am” now rests in Nilphamari’s Jaldhaka. She used to tell parents, “Before anything happens to a child, it will have to go through me.” Maherin Chowdhury kept her promise at the cost of her own life. We have no award grand enough to honour her. Morning dew delivers unmatched offerings of love and respect to her grave every day.

Another symbol of conscience, courage, and compassion was teacher Masuka Begum. When fire spread to the classroom, she encouraged the students and helped them evacuate one by one. But in the end, she was seriously burnt and later died while undergoing treatment at the National Burn Institute. Similarly, school staff Masuma Begum was badly burnt while rescuing children and later died in hospital. Arman, Nafi, and Proloy—Class Six students—were chatting in the school canteen. After the crash, they risked their lives to rescue younger students. Many students similarly overcame fear of death to help others.

The Army team arrived within minutes but did not have the necessary equipment or gear. Even so, they risked their lives to carry out rescue operations. Some even used vans to transport the injured. Among them, 11 soldiers became ill and were admitted to CMH.

The funeral parade – July 22
Around 12:30pm on July 22, a funeral parade and Janaza prayer were held in honour of Flt Lt Towkir Islam on the tarmac of BAF Base Bir Uttam AK Khandakar in Kurmitola. I had been reading a book by writer Nayeem Haque titled “Dhaka in the Second World War”. Notably, during the Second World War, in 1941, the then British government built airstrips in Tejgaon (Dainodda) and Kurmitola (Balurghat) in Dhaka. During the war, the China-Burma-India or CBI theatre became deeply involved in the global conflict. From the Tejgaon and Kurmitola air bases, the United States air fleet would deliver fuel and various supplies to China over the high Himalayas.

It even happened that an American pilot flew from Kurmitola in the morning, delivered fuel to Chungking (then capital of China), and returned to spend the evening at the Dhaka Club with fellow Americans or chatting with students at the University of Dhaka. On the other hand, from here, planes conducted operations against the Japanese in Burma. During the Second World War, Dhaka was part of a critical front. This neglected and forgotten chapter of Dhaka has been presented brilliantly by Nayeem Haque in his book. After reading it, I wished to see the Kurmitola air base in detail. Coincidentally, just a few days later, I came to this air base for the funeral parade and Janaza. But like many others, I saw Kurmitola Air Base through eyes filled with tears.

In this accident, the eyes of the Air Force members held deep sorrow for the late Flt Lt Towkir, the gentle children, teachers, and parents. Soldiers are trained to endure sorrow, pain, and grief. Soldiers’ tears are rarely seen… but they can be felt.

Just a few hundred yards east of where we stood was the western part of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Standing alongside hundreds of Air Force members, I was thinking: yesterday at this time, pilot Towkir was preparing for flight… from this very tarmac he taxied the F-7 aircraft to the runway… the children were in class like blooming flowers… Today, none of them are here. Why is life so uncertain?

A ‘Flight Lieutenant Shamsul Islam’
Standing at the funeral parade, I remembered another ‘Flight Lieutenant’—my long-lost friend. In 1983, at the Bangladesh Military Academy (BMA), cadets from the Navy and Air Force joined us (12th Long Course) for joint training for the first time. Later, in 1993, our Air Force friend ‘Flight Lieutenant Shamsul Islam’ died in a plane crash in Jashore. A pilot’s life includes much adventure and honour—but also risk.

Salute to our doctors
From the funeral parade, I went to CMH in Dhaka Cantonment (established: 1952). After Emergency, past a garden, lies the Burn and Trauma Unit. Several victims of the Milestone tragedy are admitted here. Seeing the injured makes the heart restless. What cruel game of fate! I spoke with some unfortunate parents and relatives. We offered prayers for the injured. Eleven army members involved in the Milestone rescue operation fell ill and are under treatment at CMH. The medical team at CMH Dhaka has given their all for the swift care of the injured.

Doctors, nurses, and staff from eight hospitals have played an extraordinary role in providing treatment to the injured after the Milestone tragedy. The doctors of CMH, Uttara Adhunik Medical College, Dhaka Medical College, Lubna General Hospital and Cardiac Centre, and especially the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery showed exceptional skill, humanity, and sincerity. The contribution of the National Burn Institute will be remembered by the nation. Salute to our doctors.

At the Milestone College Premises – July 24
Once bustling with students, teachers, and parents, Milestone School and College (main campus) is now eerily silent. No running and laughter of small flower-like children remain. Only wailing. The campus is silent. The main gate is closed. Three days after the accident, the crowd at the school gate is gradually thinning. But the curiosity and fear remain. Some faces are grim. Others are busy making reels.

As usual, every now and then a plane flies overhead. Standing by the gate at noon, I thought… through this gate came children like Tahiya, Shayan, Ukching Marma, Mahia, Umair, Bappi, Arian, Raisa, Mahit, Tanbir… wearing their school uniforms. Beloved teachers like Maherin Chowdhury, Masuka Begum, and caretaker Masuma Begum came too. Flt Lt Towkir Islam Sagor now sleeps in Sapura, Rajshahi. They will never return again…

Some Weaknesses in rescue operation and overall management
The spontaneous efforts in the early rescue phase and the public’s response in donating blood will remain a source of inspiration in our society. However, later on, questions arose regarding the rescue operation and the government’s overall management. Allegations of mismanagement after the accident created public anger and frustration.

This was one of the major aviation disasters in Bangladesh’s history. The Milestone air crash was a ‘technological disaster’ and ‘chemical fire’. The fire service lacked experience in dealing with fires caused by air crashes. The army also generally lacks such training. However, they joined the rescue out of sheer instinct.

After the plane crash, the government’s response came under scrutiny. Bangladesh has rarely witnessed such a mass death of children. The emotional shock of so many children dying or being injured deeply affected the nation. But the steps taken to handle the aftermath were widely questioned and debated. The delay, lack of coordination, and inefficiency of some government ministries became evident. Once again, our national capacity and disaster management system proved fragile. Nonetheless, we must move forward by critically evaluating the flaws in the Milestone disaster management.

Unpleasant incident and rumour of 'body disappearance'
Despite risking their lives in rescue efforts, the army was unfortunately accused of ‘hiding bodies’, which was bizarre. In the early stages, lack of data sharing among various agencies caused public confusion. Many spread misinformation and rumours on social media regarding the tragedy.

At one point during the rescue, a regrettable incident occurred between law enforcement and students. But how did it happen? With so many child deaths, the students were naturally in extreme emotional distress. Their minds were on fire. At that time, some students were giving their own numbers (of casualty) to the media. Meanwhile, the large crowd was hindering the rescue effort. Law enforcement sought an orderly environment.

Within the crowd, activities like TikTok filming and recording videos of injured and deceased children to gain views were creating a disturbing atmosphere for rescuers. Some groups also attempted to agitate the students… possibly leading to the unfortunate incident. It was deeply regrettable. If any unprofessional act occurred, I hope the concerned force will take corrective action. No force’s unprofessional behaviour is acceptable under any circumstances.

Government investigation commission
Immediately after the air crash, a high-level investigation committee from the Air Force and the Civil Aviation Authority’s ‘Air Crash Investigation Committee’ began work. A 9-member commission was formed by the interim government to investigate the crash of the fighter jet. The commission will determine the context, causes, responsibilities, damages, and other related matters.

Seen from Uttara – When a city surrounds the airport
It’s now evening. From a tall building in Sector 3 of Uttara, I’m watching Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. On other days, coming here brought a strange romantic feeling. But today, it’s only sadness. One by one, planes are landing from the north-west of the airport. Around noon on July 21, Flt Lt Towkir was scheduled to land an F-7 aircraft on this very runway.

I used to hear adventurous stories of flying from my Air Force friends. Their basic flying training happens in Jashore. Some advanced training is done in Chattogram. Though Dhaka has an airbase, the designated flying training area is in Ghatail, Tangail, Madhupur, and Sreepur—i.e., outside Dhaka. But since there’s only one runway, military planes have to take off and land in Dhaka.

Due to urbanisation and population growth, in 1964 a plan was made to expand Kurmitola Airport in place of Tejgaon. Eventually, in 1980, this airport was opened. I visited this airport in 1983. Visiting the airport was a thing in those days. It was then almost outside the city. Uttara was mostly empty. Today, city buildings surround the airport like an octopus. How much longer can this airport be sustainable?

A mountain of questions with no answers – So what is way forward?
In Bangladesh, especially after an accident, there is a storm of discussion about the system, rules, and management. Similarly, this dreadful Milestone tragedy has raised many questions, debates, and discussions in public. Who is responsible for this accident? Why is fighter pilot training held in central Dhaka? How was an educational institution built above an approach area or glide path? Why hasn’t the Air Force been modernised? How safe is Dhaka’s runway for training flights? How logical is it to keep an airport inside Dhaka? Should military aircraft training be done in densely populated areas? Is the country’s safety system for fighter jet training modern enough? Why are old-tech planes still used in the Air Force…? It seems there is no answer, only a mountain of questions.

This air crash has brought many important questions, problems, dilemmas, and security concerns before us. Solving them is quite difficult given Bangladesh’s current reality. But not impossible. These issues have been discussed before at high levels of government. Some initiatives were taken, but lacked implementation due to lack of resolve.

Evening has fallen in Uttara… Looking at the airport from the tall building in Sector 3, I was thinking about all this… Considering Dhaka’s strategic location, geographical limitations, lack of deep defence, capital security, budget constraints, public safety, rising air traffic, population density, and Dhaka’s reality… we must make decisions accordingly. Long-term plans must be taken. Even in developed countries, advanced aircraft face accidents. I hope the Air Force learns from this accident and corrects it in the future. May such a tragedy never occur again.

What must be done now
At this moment, the urgent and most important matter is: treatment of the injured. Many burn patients will require long-term care. The government must form a trust to provide long-term treatment, rehabilitation, and compensation. It’s our duty to compensate the families of the deceased. The school’s students have undergone trauma, which must be addressed. Special counselling services must be introduced, where psychologists and child specialists will provide structured mental rehabilitation to affected children.

A friend in adversity: We will stand by the people
The Milestone tragedy has given us a warning that we must understand. The commission formed for this may highlight the necessary actions in its report. Those can be taken as guidelines. For some matters, we must plan for the long term.

I hope the injured will recover. At this moment, what is needed is proper medical treatment for the injured and standing by the families of the deceased. Despite all the hatred and divisions in society, the Milestone tragedy has united the people of Bangladesh in tears and mourning. We will all share and face this tragedy together. We will all stand by the affected families. We will correct our mistakes and stay united.

Rabindranath Tagore said, “Make me dwell where there is sorrow.” Kazi Nazrul Islam said, “I am a friend in adversity.” Today, as people face hardship and tragedy, we must follow the path of humanity laid out by these two poets and stand by those in need.

Writer: Retired Brigadier General, researcher, analyst.