Funeral held at Rajshahi Stadium for Bangladesh Air Force officer killed in Milestone School training aircraft crash that claimed 31 lives. 

Flight Lieutenant Tauqir Islam Sagar, the pilot of the Bangladesh Air Force training aircraft that crashed at Milestone School and College in Uttara, Dhaka, was laid to rest in Rajshahi on Tuesday. The burial took place at the Sapura Graveyard following his funeral prayers, which were held at the Rajshahi District Muktijuddho Smriti Stadium at around 4:15 PM.

Earlier in the day, at 2:55 PM, Tauqir’s body was flown to Rajshahi Cantonment aboard a Bangladesh Air Force helicopter. After completing formal procedures there, the body was transported to his family residence in Sector 3 of the city’s Upashahar area at approximately 3:20 PM. Grief-stricken family members and local residents gathered at the residence, many in tears upon seeing the fallen officer one last time. The body was then moved to the stadium for the public janaza before burial in the evening.

Tauqir hailed originally from Kansat in Chapainawabganj, but his father, Tohurul Islam, has been residing in Rajshahi for the past 25 years. Tauqir began his education at the New Government Laboratory School in Rajshahi, studying there up to sixth grade. He then joined Pabna Cadet College as a seventh-grade student, where he belonged to the 34th graduating batch. After completing his Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinations in 2016, he joined the Bangladesh Air Force to serve his country.

He had recently married a teacher from BRAC University, marking a new chapter in his personal life. That chapter, however, was cut short by the tragic events of Monday.

The fatal accident occurred at 1:18 PM on Monday when an F-7BGI training aircraft crashed into the premises of Milestone School and College during a routine operation. The incident resulted in the deaths of 31 people, including students, staff, and the pilot himself.

The nation mourns the loss of Tauqir and the many other victims of the crash, with tributes pouring in from various quarters. As investigations continue into the cause of the tragedy, the military and civil communities alike reflect on the risks faced by those in service and the lasting impact such incidents leave behind.