Angry Protests Erupt in Bangladesh After Fighter Jet Crash Kills 31, Mostly Children
Widespread anger and grief swept across Bangladesh as protests erupted in the capital following a tragic fighter jet crash that killed at least 31 people, including 25 schoolchildren, on Monday. The incident occurred when a Bangladesh Air Force F-7 BGI jet plunged into a school in Dhaka, sparking a massive fire and causing one of the country’s deadliest aviation disasters in recent years.
The Chinese-made F-7 BGI aircraft had taken off from a nearby air base for a routine training mission when it reportedly suffered a mechanical failure. Authorities said the pilot attempted to divert the plane away from residential areas, but the aircraft crashed directly into a school building just as classes were ending for the day.
“The children were about to return home when the crash occurred,” a local witness said. “Within seconds, the entire building was engulfed in flames.”
The pilot was among the fatalities. Rescue operations continued through the night, with emergency workers searching for victims in the charred remains of the building.
Rising Death Toll and Injuries
According to the military, 31 people have been confirmed dead, and 165 others were hospitalized, including several children with severe burns. Health authorities reported that at least 10 victims remain in critical condition.
One grieving father, Abul Hossain, broke down while speaking to reporters about his nine-year-old daughter, Nusrat Jahan Anika, who died in the crash. “I took her to school yesterday like any other day. I had no idea it would be the last time I saw her,” he said.
The tragedy sparked immediate outrage. Students from the affected school and nearby colleges organized protests, demanding accountability and a full list of the victims. Chanting slogans such as “Why did our brothers die? We demand answers!”, they confronted government officials visiting the crash site.
Elsewhere in Dhaka, hundreds of students stormed the main gate of the government secretariat, calling for the resignation of the education adviser. Police responded with tear gas, batons, and sound grenades to disperse the crowds, leaving dozens injured.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner Talebur Rahman confirmed the use of tear gas, saying it was necessary to restore order, but did not disclose the number of casualties among protesters.
The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, announced a national day of mourning, with flags at half-mast and special prayers across the country. In a statement, Yunus pledged that the government, military, and hospital authorities were working together to publish a complete list of victims.
The air force has been directed to halt training flights over populated areas. Protesters, however, are demanding that older fighter jets be decommissioned entirely.
Pope Leo expressed his condolences in a Vatican statement, praying for the victims and the recovery of those injured.
Aircraft Details and Safety Concerns
The F-7 BGI is the latest variant in China’s Chengdu J-7 series, itself based on the Soviet-era MiG-21 design. Bangladesh acquired these jets between 2011 and 2013. Aviation experts have previously raised concerns over the aircraft’s safety record.
The disaster comes just weeks after India faced the world’s worst aviation tragedy in a decade when an Air India jet crashed into a medical college in Ahmedabad, killing 260 people.
The crash adds to Bangladesh’s political turmoil. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country last August after massive student-led protests. The current interim administration has promised elections next year, but opposition parties are pressing for an earlier date.
Key Points at a Glance
Death Toll: 31 confirmed, including 25 children
Injured: 165 hospitalized; 10 critical
Cause: Mechanical failure during training flight
Public Reaction: Nationwide protests, clashes with police
Government Response: National day of mourning, review of air force training protocols
