Tragedy Strikes With Rising Death Toll and Calls for Accountability

In a tragic incident in Dhaka, Bangladesh, a training jet from the air force crashed into a local school, claiming the lives of 31 individuals, including 25 students. The event has prompted hundreds of students to protest at the crash site, calling for accountability, compensation for the families of the victims, and the cessation of training flights using outdated aircraft. A national day of mourning has been declared, with flags at half-staff as the nation grapples with the shocking loss.

The crash, which took place on Monday at the Milestone School and College, resulted in a fire engulfing the two-story building amid a busy area of the city. As rescue efforts unfolded, 171 people were safely taken from the scene, most of whom were students suffering from burns. On Tuesday, the number of hospitalized individuals remained significant, with 78 still receiving treatment for their injuries, many in critical condition. Among the deceased was Maherin Chowdhury, a teacher who perished from burns sustained while rescuing students.

Amidst rising tensions, students outside the school voiced their frustration towards government officials, demanding transparency regarding the victims and the immediate halting of flying obsolete training aircraft. The air force has stated that the Chinese-made F-7 BGI jet experienced a "technical malfunction" shortly after its takeoff, and an investigation is underway to understand the exact circumstances leading to the crash. The pilot, who was flying solo for the first time, attempted to divert the aircraft away from populated areas, but it ultimately crashed into the school. The tragedy has brought attention to safety concerns surrounding training flights, as memories of a previous fatal incident in 2008 resurface for many.