United News of Bangladesh

The Bangladesh Air Force on Friday paid tribute to schoolteacher Masuka Begum, who died in a recent Air Force training jet crash in Dhaka’s Uttara, by placing a wreath on her grave and offering a guard of honour. A 10-member Air Force delegation visited Sohagpur village in Ashuganj upazila of Brahmanbaria and presented the guard of honour around 2:30pm. After laying the floral tribute, they offered prayers and spoke with family members to express condolences. Speaking to reporters, Squadron Leader Mashiur Rahman said, “Dhaka is a highly strategic location where security is important. With growing population density in the surrounding areas, we are forced to compromise on many aspects while conducting flight operations.” “Accidents can happen anytime, in any way,” he added. “Flying in Dhaka has continued since the country’s independence. Such incidents are rare.” Plane crash in Uttara: Samiul's burial completed in Barisal Masuka was from Chilokut village in Brahmanbaria Sadar upazila. She was the youngest of three siblings and the daughter of Siddiq Ahmed Chowdhury. Her elderly father now lives with her elder sister in Sohagpur village, that’s why Masuka was buried in the local graveyard as per her last wish. She completed her honours degree at Brahmanbaria Government College and earned her master’s from Eden College in Dhaka. About two years ago, she joined the English department of the primary section of Milestone School and College.

Another child who sustained severe burn injuries in the Bangladesh Air Force jet crash at Milestone School and College in Uttara has died, raising the death toll to 33. The deceased was identified as Makin, 17, who had been undergoing treatment at the  National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery with 70 percent burns. He succumbed to his injuries at 1:05pm on Friday (July 25). With this, the total number of deaths reported at the National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute has reached 15. Foreign missions in London pay tributes to aircraft crash victims in Bangladesh Earlier, during a regular media briefing on Thursday night around 8pm, Professor Dr Nasir Uddin, Director of the institute, said six out of 42 patients were in critical condition. Following Makin's death, 40 patients are currently undergoing treatment at the institute.

Trashing the false information surrounding the casualty figures from the tragic plane crash into Milestone School and College, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Wednesday firmly said the government has no reason to underreport the numbers. In a post on his Facebook account, he also said it is now virtually impossible to hide casualty figures in Bangladesh. “As someone who has reported on numerous major disasters between 2002 and 2024, I can attest that concealing casualty figures is virtually impossible in Bangladesh. Initially, families report their loved ones as missing, but as information becomes available from hospitals and authorities, they can usually locate their relatives. In this case, Milestone College can cross-reference daily attendance records to identify those unaccounted for,” Alam said.  He said the Health Ministry is also providing regular updates on the status of those receiving treatment in various hospitals, and the military is contributing to these efforts. “I can unequivocally state that the government has no reason to underreport casualty figures.” Advisers, CA’s Press Secretary finally leave Milestone School after 9 hours   In the post, Alam also expressed gratitude for the prayers and support extended to him and the two advisers, who spent nine hours at Milestone School and College in Uttara’s Diabari area, amidst student protests on Tuesday. “We visited Milestone College to meet the bereaved families, as well as the students and teachers who are still reeling from the tragedy. The atmosphere was heavy with grief and anger. Many students shared firsthand accounts and expressed frustration over conflicting reports about the death toll,” he said.  To ensure transparency, the Press Secretary said, two Advisers instructed the school to establish a Control Room on its premises.  He said this facility will provide regular updates on the number of injured and deceased, with figures matched against the school's registry.  Importantly, Alam said the Advisers recommended including current students and alumni in the Control Room's operations. “We anticipate it will be fully operational today.” “We spent nine hours at the school yesterday (Tuesday). Although we could have left earlier, the Advisers were committed to resolving the situation peacefully, without the use of force. They were prepared to stay for as long as necessary and we departed only when it was appropriate,” he said.  The Press Secretary said their hearts go out to the students and teachers who have lost their lives, and described the jet crash as a national tragedy, referring to those killed as martyrs. “Let us work together to enhance our air defence systems to prevent future tragedies. The government is committed to improving national security and ensuring zero air-related disasters,” Alam added.

The death toll from the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) jet crash at Milestone School and College in Uttara has risen to 27 as eight more victims succumbed to their injured at the Burn Institute on Monday might.  “78 people are admitted to four hospitals. The deceased included 25 children, one pilot and one teacher. The bodies of 20 people have been handed over to their relatives,” Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Dr Sayedur Rahman said at a briefing at 8am on Tuesday at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery. Dr Sayedur said that eight more victims died at the Burn Institute on Monday night. There are 28 people admitted to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) and 42 others at the Burn Institute. There were bodies of 15 people at the CMH, he said. The special assistant said that samples have been collected from six bodies for the DNA test to ensure their identities. Expressing concern over the conditions of those undergoing treatment at ICU and HDU units at the Burn Institute, he said, “The entire country is going through a tough time. There is an MOU with the Burn Institute and Singapore General Hospital. A request letter has been sent to the hospital for technical assistance. They have received the case summary. At this moment, the High Commissioner of Singapore is at Singapore General Hospital. After reviewing the cases here, the next steps will be taken based on advice.” Tuesday’s HSC exams postponed following plane crash tragedy Requesting people not to crowd at the hospitals, he said that most of the injured are children. Their need for blood is less and ICU is ready at Bangladesh Medical University (BMU). Strict security measures have been placed around the Burn Institute for the sake of the patients. No one is allowed to enter without an ID card and proof of illness.