Crash Details: What Authorities Say
According to early reports from the Bangladesh Air Force, the aircraft was on a routine training mission when it developed a mechanical failure shortly after takeoff. The pilot attempted to steer the aircraft away from populated areas but was unable to regain control.
The plane ultimately collided with the upper floors of a school building in a densely populated neighborhood of Dhaka. Both the pilot and several people inside the school lost their lives instantly. Others sustained critical injuries and were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Eyewitness Accounts: “It Was Chaos”
Residents near the school described a terrifying scene of fire, smoke, and confusion. Emergency vehicles rushed to the scene as parents, teachers, and local volunteers desperately searched for survivors among the debris.
“My daughter was just learning math,” said one grieving parent. “She had so much life ahead of her.”
First responders, along with community members, worked for hours to assist with rescue operations. Some survivors were pulled from the rubble alive, though many could not be saved.
National Response: Flags at Half-Mast, Inquiry Ordered
The government of Bangladesh has expressed its deepest condolences to the families affected. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina called the incident a national tragedy and confirmed that a full investigation has been launched. Flags across the country were lowered to half-mast in remembrance.
Government officials also pledged to provide counseling and support to grieving families, as well as review existing aviation safety protocols to prevent future tragedies.
Support for Affected Families
Several NGOs and local government units have begun offering mental health support, grief counseling, and emergency financial assistance to families impacted by the crash. The Ministry of Education announced that nearby schools will remain closed for the rest of the week.
Looking Ahead: Safety, Accountability, and Recovery
As the country mourns, public attention now turns toward accountability and the need for stricter safety checks in military and civil aviation. Officials have promised transparency as the investigation continues.
The people of Dhaka—and Bangladesh at large—are left grieving, yet united in their call for answers, healing, and meaningful change.
