Dhaka: On Monday, 21 July 2025, a Bangladesh Air Force fighter jet crashed into Milestone School and College in Uttara, a densely populated suburb of Dhaka. The aircraft, an F-7 BGI—a Chinese-built jet used primarily for training—was reportedly on a routine training flight when it went down at approximately 1:12 pm local time.

The impact resulted in a massive explosion, with flames engulfing a section of the school that was in session at the time. Local authorities confirmed that at least 27 people were killed, including the pilot and several students, while over 170 others sustained injuries ranging from minor to critical.

What type of aircraft was involved?

The jet involved was a Chengdu F-7 BGI, a twin-seat variant of the Chinese-built F-7 series, which itself is based on the Soviet MiG-21. The F-7 BGI is typically used by the Bangladesh Air Force for advanced pilot training and limited combat roles. The aircraft took off from Kurmitola Air Force Base in Dhaka shortly after 1:00 pm.

According to preliminary findings, the aircraft developed technical issues mid-flight, prompting the pilot to attempt an emergency diversion.

Why did the jet crash into a school?

Sources within the Air Force suggest that the pilot attempted to steer away from densely populated residential zones in an effort to avoid civilian casualties. Unfortunately, the chosen diversion path led toward Milestone School and College, which had over 600 students present at the time of the crash.

Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud noise moments before the crash, followed by a fiery explosion and thick plumes of smoke. Debris from the aircraft scattered across school grounds, and a section of the building was left completely gutted.

Who are the victims of the crash?

Among the confirmed 27 dead are the pilot and multiple students. At least 170 others, including teachers, staff, and bystanders, were injured. Several are in critical condition and have been transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital and other major trauma centres.

Emergency responders worked for hours pulling trapped victims from the rubble. Identification efforts are still ongoing, and authorities have asked families to report missing persons.

How have authorities responded?

Bangladesh’s caretaker Prime Minister, Muhammad Yunus, announced a national day of mourning to be observed on Tuesday, with flags flown at half-mast. He expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and promised full transparency in the investigation. He also confirmed that the government would cover medical expenses for all victims and their families.

The Bangladesh Air Force has launched a high-level inquiry into the crash, focusing on possible mechanical failure and flight path decisions.

How has the international community reacted?

Condolences poured in from across the region. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed “deep anguish” over the tragedy and extended India’s readiness to provide assistance. The United Nations and multiple diplomatic missions in Dhaka also issued statements of sympathy.

Aviation experts in South Asia have raised concerns about military flight paths over urban zones and the ageing condition of training aircraft in regional air forces.

While military aircraft crashes are not unprecedented in Bangladesh, this is the first time in recent memory that a jet has directly impacted a civilian school during operation. The last major Air Force-related accident occurred in 2008, though it did not involve civilian casualties.

This latest tragedy has reignited debates over flight safety, emergency protocols, and the use of older aircraft models for training in highly populated areas.