Published : 21 Jul 2025, 11:48 PM
Updated : 21 Aug 2026, 01:33 PM
The National Consensus Commission has suspended its political dialogue after a Bangladesh Air Force training jet crashed into Milestone School and College in Dhaka’s Diabari.
The fatal incident brought Monday’s 16th day of the second-round talks at the Foreign Service Academy to a halt, as the commission paused proceedings in response to the tragedy.
Following a midday recess, it issued a statement at 3pm, offering condolences to the bereaved families and wishing a swift recovery for the injured.
The Commission’s Vice-Chairman Ali Riaz said, “We pray for the souls of the deceased and stand in solidarity with the grieving families.”
He also expressed sympathy for the families of the injured and urged authorities to ensure they receive proper medical care.
Calling for national solidarity and compassion, the commission appealed to all political parties and citizens to support those affected by the tragedy.
A minute of silence was observed during the session, with participants offering prayers according to their religious traditions.
The commission declared the day’s talks suspended and scheduled to resume on Tuesday morning.
PARTIES EXPRESS DEEP GRIEF
Political parties including the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, National Citizen Party (NCP), Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis and Nizam-e-Islam have expressed sorrow over the fatal crash.
BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said, “The jet crashed over Milestone School where students and guardians were present.
“At least 10 fatalities have been confirmed. We consider those who lost their lives as martyrs.”
Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Rafiqul Islam Khan offered prayers for the dead and sympathies to their families.
He urged the interim government to stand by victims’ families with compensation and ensure such accidents never recur.
NCP Senior Joint Convener Ariful Islam Adib called for urgent medical care for the injured, expressing deep condolences to the bereaved families.
“Our party has set up two information centres to offer blood and basic support,” he said. “It is essential to reconsider conducting fighter jet training in densely populated areas -- such activities should ideally be avoided.”
Referring to previous accidents involving training aircraft, Islami Andolon Presidium member Ashraf Ali Akon said, “All jets used for training must be properly inspected before deployment.”
