Dhaka: The authorities have so far handed over 20 bodies to the families of the 27 people killed in the crash of a Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) FT-7 BGI fighter jet at Milestone School and College in the capital's Uttara on Monday afternoon. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the crash has resulted in a tragic loss of lives, including 25 children, one pilot, and one teacher. Among the injured, 78 people are receiving treatment at various hospitals. Dr. Md. Sayedur Rahman, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Health and Family Welfare, briefed newsmen at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, confirming that the identities of six victims remain unconfirmed. He also mentioned that 20 bodies have been handed over to families after proper identification and urged the public not to crowd at the hospital, highlighting the need for specific blood group donations. Twelve victims whose bodies have been handed over include Fatema Akhter, Samiul Karim, Rajoni Islam, Mehnaz Afrin Huraira, Shari a Akhter, Nusrat Jahan Anika, Saad Salauddin, Saima Akhter, AB Shamim, Afnan, Tanvir, and teacher Maherin Chowdhury. The body of Air Force pilot Flight Lieutenant Towkir Islam remains at the morgue. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed that 171 individuals were injured, including two firefighters who are now out of danger. The Fire Service and Civil Defence concluded the rescue operation at 8:30 pm on Monday. The aircraft crash, attributed to a mechanical fault, occurred shortly after takeoff from the Bangladesh Air Force Base AK Khandaker in Kurmitola at 01:06 pm as part of regular training. The FT-7 jet crashed into a building of Milestone School and College around 1:18 pm, according to fire service sources. Flight Lieutenant Md Towkir Islam, the pilot, attempted to steer the aircraft away from densely populated areas to minimize the impact. A high-level Air Force investigation committee was formed immediately to determine the crash's cause. In response to the crash, the government postp oned Tuesday's HSC and equivalent examinations and all exams under the National University. An emergency hotline, 01949-043697, has been established at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery. Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus expressed deep shock and sorrow, assuring an investigation and promising proper treatment for the injured. The government directed all hospitals to provide free treatment to those affected, with Health and Family Welfare Adviser Nurjahan Begum issuing necessary directives.
