In the wake of the tragic crash of a Bangladesh Air Force F-7BGI fighter jet at Milestone School and College in Uttara, Dhaka, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir visited the National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute on Monday afternoon (July 21) to meet and show solidarity with the injured victims. The visit was made under the directive of BNP’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, according to Shairul Kabir Khan Kalbela, a member of BNP’s media cell, who confirmed the development to the press.

The crash, which occurred shortly after 1:06 PM, involved the F-7BGI training aircraft of the Bangladesh Air Force that took off from the airbase at Kurmitola’s Akh Khondokar cantonment. The aircraft reportedly suffered a mechanical malfunction soon after takeoff. According to an official statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Flight Lieutenant Md. Taukir Islam, the pilot, made an extraordinary effort to steer the malfunctioning plane away from densely populated areas to reduce the potential for casualties. Despite these efforts, the plane tragically crashed into a two-story building of the Milestone School and College campus.

The incident has so far resulted in the death of 19 individuals, including the pilot, and left 164 people injured. Many of the injured are children, who are receiving treatment at multiple hospitals, including the National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute. The ISPR added that a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the mechanical failure and crash is underway, and further details will be disclosed once the probe is completed.

Mirza Fakhrul’s visit underscores the BNP leadership’s concern for the victims and their families during this national tragedy. The party’s prompt response, guided by Tarique Rahman, reflects an emphasis on humanitarian support amid political sensitivities.

As the city mourns the loss and grapples with the aftermath of the disaster, emergency response teams continue to manage rescue and medical efforts. Authorities have also heightened security and safety measures around the crash site to facilitate ongoing investigations and ensure public safety.

This tragic accident raises urgent questions about aviation safety protocols and urban planning around flight paths, highlighting the need for stringent measures to prevent similar disasters in the future. The nation watches closely as investigators work to unravel the circumstances that led to this fatal crash, and hopes for swift recovery for the injured.