Bangladesh Air Force Jet Crash: Govt Confirms 29 Dead, Most of Them Children

By Masum Billah, Dhaka

The Bangladesh Government on Wednesday released the names and identities of the victims of the tragic Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) fighter jet crash at Milestone School and College in Dhaka’s Uttara, which has now claimed at least 29 lives and left dozens injured.

According to the latest data shared by the Health Ministry through the Chief Advisor's (CA) Press Wing, the bodies of 21 out of the 29 deceased have been handed over to their families, while six remain at hospital mortuaries. One victim is yet to be identified.

A total of 70 individuals were injured in the crash. Of them, 57 are currently undergoing treatment at various hospitals across the capital, while 13 have been discharged.

The breakdown of victims includes a large number of students and school staff. Among the dead and injured are:

• 41 students

• 5 teachers

• 1 school staff member

• 1 firefighter

• 1 police officer

• 14 army personnel

• 1 assistant, 1 electrician, and 4 others

The crash occurred on Monday afternoon (July 21), shortly after an FT-7 BGI fighter jet of the Bangladesh Air Force took off from the Kurmitola Airbase. The jet reportedly lost control mid-air and plummeted into the school campus, igniting a massive blaze and causing widespread devastation.

Among the victims was Nafis, a nine-year-old student who succumbed to his injuries at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, pushing the official death toll to 29.

Hospital-wise Casualty Breakdown (as of 1:00 PM, Wednesday)

• National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery: 44 injured, 11 dead

• Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Dhaka: 21 injured, 15 dead

• Lubana General Hospital and Cardiac Centre, Uttara: 13 injured, 1 dead

• Dhaka Medical College and Hospital: 3 injured, 1 dead

• United Hospital: 2 injured, 1 dead

• Kuwait Bangladesh Friendship Govt. Hospital: 1 injured

• Uttara Adhunik Hospital: 1 injured

• Shaheed Monsur Ali Medical College: 1 injured

• Human Aid Research Lab and Hospital: 1 injured

Despite the government’s official count standing at 29 fatalities, the Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) on Tuesday reported a conflicting death toll of 31, with 165 people injured — sparking confusion and public concern over inconsistent figures.

Govt Rejects Allegations of Concealing Death Toll

Amid growing criticism and speculation on social media, the Chief Advisor’s Office issued a statement on Tuesday dismissing allegations that authorities were attempting to downplay the casualty figures. The CAO labeled such claims as "misinformation."

“We are watching with concern that certain quarters are spreading misinformation claiming that the casualty figures are being concealed. We want to state very clearly that this claim is false,” the statement read.

It further clarified that the identification process is ongoing, especially for severely burned or unrecognizable bodies, and that DNA testing is being conducted for those who cannot be immediately identified. Six unidentified bodies are currently kept at the CMH morgue.

The government has assured full support for every victim and is working in coordination with military authorities, school officials, and hospitals to ensure transparency and accountability.

Control Room, Victim Verification Underway

The CAO also informed that a control room is being set up at the Milestone School campus, urging families with missing members to contact school authorities immediately. School records and attendance registers are being cross-checked to identify any unaccounted individuals.

Authorities continue to appeal for public cooperation during the recovery and verification process, stressing that the priority remains on providing medical care to survivors and accurate information to families.

Background

The crash has sent shockwaves across the country, with photos and videos of the blazing wreckage inside the school premises going viral. This incident marks one of the deadliest aviation disasters involving a military aircraft in recent Bangladeshi history, made worse by its impact on a densely populated educational institution.

An investigation into the cause of the crash has been initiated by the Bangladesh Air Force, but initial reports point to possible engine failure or technical malfunction during take-off.

Also Read: Mechanical Fault Blamed for Air Force Jet Crash in Dhaka; Investigation Committee Formed