DHAKA, BANGLADESH — On July 21, 2025, a Bangladesh Air Force F-7 BGI fighter jet tragically crashed into Milestone School & College in Dhaka’s Uttara area, just minutes after taking off from Kurmitola Airbase. The accident has left the nation in mourning and raised serious concerns about flight safety protocols during military training operations.

The ill-fated flight began at approximately 1:06 PM local time, when Flight Lieutenant Toukir Islam Sagar departed BAF Base Bir Uttom A.K. Khandker on what was to be his first solo fighter mission. The sortie was part of a routine training exercise — a standard procedure in the skies over the capital.

But only moments after takeoff, a technical malfunction reportedly struck the aircraft. According to sources within the Air Force, the jet stalled and became unresponsive, prompting urgent commands from the control tower for the pilot to eject. However, the aircraft was already flying at too low an altitude, making a safe ejection impossible.

Fully aware of the imminent threat to civilians below, Flight Lieutenant Sagar made a desperate attempt to divert the aircraft away from populated areas. Eyewitnesses say the jet appeared to veer off its flight path, suggesting the pilot tried to aim for open ground — but with limited time and dangerously low altitude, his options were few.

Between 1:10 and 1:15 PM, the fighter jet crashed near the main gate of Milestone School & College, striking a two-story building while classes were in session. Hundreds of students were present at the time.

Emergency services responded rapidly, and a full investigation is now underway by military and civil aviation authorities.

As the country reels from the impact of the crash, tributes continue to pour in for Flight Lieutenant Sagar, whose final moments were marked by bravery and selflessness.