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Published : 21 Jul 2025, 11:10 PM
The Indian and Pakistani governments have expressed “deep sorrow” over the loss of lives in the Bangladesh Air Force aircraft crash, which left at least 20 dead and over 150 injured -- most of them school students.
In a condolence message on Monday evening, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: “Deeply shocked and saddened at the loss of lives, many of them young students, in a tragic air crash in Dhaka.
“Our hearts go out to the bereaved families. We pray for the swift recovery of those injured. India stands in solidarity with Bangladesh and is ready to extend all possible support and assistance.”
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said: “Deeply saddened at the loss of precious lives due to the crash of an airforce jet over an educational institution in Dhaka.
“Offer heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wish the injured a speedy recovery. My deepest sympathies are with the government, its leadership, and the people of Bangladesh in this hour of grief.”
On Monday, a Bangladesh Air Force fighter jet crashed inside Milestone School and College in Dhaka’s Diabari, with most of the casualties suffering burns.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Air Force’s F-7 BGI aircraft crashed 12 minutes after taking off on Monday noon.
A witness and local Zaherul Islam bdnews24.com, “It seemed to me that the aircraft slammed into the field, skidded, and hit the building. That’s when the fire broke out.”
The jet struck the two-storey Hydar Ali academic building, where students from grades 3 to 8 of the English-medium section were in session. The incident occurred just as classes ended, with many parents waiting outside to pick up their children.
The aircraft burst into flames on impact, sending thick black smoke billowing into the air. Nine units of the Fire Service rushed to the scene.
Milestone School and College spokesman Shah Bulbul told bdnews24.com, “Classes for children were ongoing in that building. Nobody could get out of the building due to the fire. Many were burnt inside.”
