Students of Milestone School and College in Dhaka’s Diabari have taken to the streets demanding justice and compensation in the wake of the deadly Air Force plane crash that left dozens dead and injured. The protest began at 9:00 AM on Tuesday near the school’s main roundabout.
According to government sources, the crash resulted in 27 fatalities and 78 injuries. Dr. Sayedur Rahman, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, confirmed that 25 of the deceased were children.
Chanting slogans such as “We Want Justice” and “Why Did My Brother Die? We Want Answers,” the protesting students expressed outrage and grief. The situation grew tense when Legal Adviser Asif Nazrul and Education Adviser C R Abrar arrived at the scene. Students shouted “Fraud! Fraud!” and repeated the slogan at law enforcement vehicles as well.
As protesters attempted to enter the campus, police intervened and blocked them. The two advisers later moved to a conference room in Building 5, accompanied by faculty members, where they met with a delegation of five to seven student representatives. Meanwhile, hundreds of other students continued their protest outside.
Students stated that they are standing up against injustice and demanding accountability in the face of impunity, negligence, and repression. They made it clear they would not back down until their demands are addressed.
“This tragedy didn’t just happen—it was allowed to happen. The government must take full responsibility,” said one of the demonstrators.
The students presented six clear demands to the government:
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Immediate disclosure of the names and identities of all deceased victims.
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A complete and accurate list of all injured individuals.
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A public and unconditional apology from military personnel involved in allegedly harassing teachers.
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Financial compensation from the Air Force to the families of all deceased students.
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Retirement of outdated and unsafe aircraft used by the Air Force, to be replaced with modern equipment.
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Reform of Air Force training systems and relocation of training zones to ensure safety and humanity.
The tragic incident occurred on Monday afternoon when a Bangladesh Air Force fighter jet crashed directly into the Milestone School and College campus. As of Tuesday, 27 people have been confirmed dead and 78 remain hospitalized. In response, the nation is observing a day of official mourning.
