The US State Department’s Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA) has expressed deep condolences following the tragic crash of a Bangladesh Air Force training jet that struck Milestone School and College in the Diabari area of Uttara, Dhaka, on Monday, claiming at least 20 lives and injuring 171 others.
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs said, “We are deeply saddened by the tragic crash of the Bangladesh Air Force training aircraft in Uttara. Our thoughts are with those injured and the families who lost their loved ones during this difficult time.”
The ill-fated F-7 fighter jet was piloted by Flight Lieutenant Mohammad Towkir Islam Sagar, who also lost his life in the crash. The aircraft plunged into the campus during a routine training session, causing widespread devastation.
Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government, Muhammad Yunus, described the incident as an “irreparable” national loss. “The loss suffered by the Air Force, the students, parents, teachers, and staff of Milestone School and College, as well as others affected by this accident, is irreparable. This is a moment of profound pain for the nation,” he stated.
Yunus also urged hospitals and emergency services to prioritize treatment for the injured and confirmed that the government would launch a full investigation into the cause of the crash.
Emergency response teams quickly mobilized to the scene for search and rescue operations. In light of the disaster, the Bangladeshi government has declared a one-day state mourning. The national flag is to be flown at half-mast across all government, semi-government, autonomous, and educational institutions.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his condolences via X, expressing deep sorrow over the tragic loss of life. He reaffirmed India’s solidarity with Bangladesh and offered support for ongoing rescue and relief efforts.
The incident has cast a pall of grief across the region and prompted a wave of international sympathy as investigations continue.
