Children Return Home with Trauma; School Extends Closure Until August 3 Following Deadly Air Force Jet Accident

The aftermath of the tragic military jet crash at Milestone School and College in Uttara, Dhaka, continues to haunt survivors, especially the children. Though some students injured in the incident have been released from the hospital, the trauma they carry remains deeply embedded.

Rafsi Akhtar Rafia, a 12-year-old student, was among those injured and treated at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery. She was discharged from the hospital on Sunday and returned home. According to her father, Md. Shamim, Rafia has become unusually quiet. The once-lively girl, known for her playful mischief, now remains silent even when called multiple times. “Doctors have advised us to talk to her frequently and encourage her involvement in activities,” he said. “We are trying, but the fear still grips her.”

Another injured student, fourth-grader Ayan Khan, was also released from the hospital on the same day. Ayan, the only child of his parents, sustained burns to both ears and hands. His aunt, Shanta Islam, described the trauma he is experiencing. “Though the burns were not extensive, his hands had turned red and blistered like they had been boiled. Now he wakes up in fear at night.”

Tragically, 14-year-old student Sahil Farabi Ayan, who had been receiving treatment at the same burn institute, succumbed to his injuries late Sunday night. Dr. Shawon Bin Rahman, a resident surgeon at the institute, stated that 40 percent of the boy’s body was burned, including his airway. Despite being on life support in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), he could not survive.

According to the Ministry of Health, 45 individuals remain hospitalized across three facilities due to the crash at Milestone School. Of them, 33 are admitted to the Burn Institute, 11 at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH), and one is undergoing psychiatric treatment at the National Institute of Mental Health. So far, the death toll has risen to 34. The Burn Institute reported 18 deaths, CMH confirmed 14, and Dhaka Medical College Hospital reported one fatality.

Professor Dr. Md. Nasir Uddin, Director of the Burn Institute, said that among the 33 patients currently admitted there, 27 are children. On Sunday, two patients were on ventilators, and one of them passed away. Three others remain in critical condition. He also shared that three patients with moderate injuries are stable enough to be sent home soon. They are scheduled for one last dressing before being discharged, considering both medical readiness and family requests.

In light of the ongoing recovery efforts and the psychological toll on the student body, Milestone School and College has extended its closure. The institution, located in the Diabari area of Uttara, will now reopen on August 3. This marks the third round of extended leave. Vice Principal (Administration) Md. Masudul Alam confirmed the latest decision on Monday afternoon.

The tragic crash occurred on July 21 when a Bangladesh Air Force training jet crashed onto the school premises. Initially, the school announced a three-day closure from July 22 to 24. This was followed by a second round of leave on July 27 and 28. Now, the third extension adds three more days — Tuesday through Thursday — with regular classes scheduled to resume on Sunday.

Shah Bulbul, the school’s Public Relations Officer, stated that since the incident, teachers have been maintaining regular phone communication with parents to provide emotional support to students. “These conversations are part of a broader counseling effort,” he explained. “This is why we are extending the break gradually, to allow time for healing and preparation.”

He added that the school is preparing to resume on-campus classes in a stable environment starting August 3.