BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has expressed deep sorrow over the crash of a Bangladesh Air Force F-7 BGI training jet at capital’s Milestone College in Uttara, calling it a “tragic and unacceptable” incident for a place meant to be a safe environment for students.

Mr. Rahman to his Facebook on Monday (July 21) wrote, “We are deeply saddened by the news of the horrific plane crash at Milestone College. Such a heartbreaking situation in a secure educational institution is never acceptable.”

He offered prayers for the injured and emotionally distressed students and urged all levels of BNP leaders and activists—especially members of Jubo Dal, Chhatra Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal, and medical professionals affiliated with the party—to immediately stand by the victims.

“In this time of disaster, we must all unite. We are all part of one nation—a country built on humanity and empathy,” he added.

Earlier on Monday, a Bangladesh Air Force F-7 BGI training jet crashed on the campus of Milestone School and College at around 1:18pm. 

The Fire Service confirmed that one body had been recovered and 26 including women and children admitted to National Burn Institute. 

Eight units from various fire stations were deployed to carry out rescue operations.

The Fire Service control room duty officer Khaleda Yasmin said they received the alert at 1:18pm and dispatched teams from Uttara, Tongi, Pallabi, Kurmitola, Mirpur, and Purbachal.

Several videos circulated on social media showed panic and chaos moments after the aircraft crashed, with people running and screaming at the scene. Rescue efforts were ongoing as of Monday evening.

MSK/