Bangladesh Jet crash kills 31, mostly children: Protests erupt across nation

Bangladesh is in mourning after a tragic military jet crash on Monday killed 31 people, including dozens of schoolchildren. The devastating incident has triggered mass student protests, with demonstrators demanding accountability from the government and the armed forces.

The jet, operated by the Bangladesh Air Force, crashed into a school field in Gazipur, just outside Dhaka, during what officials described as a “routine training mission.” The nation is grappling with shock, grief, and mounting outrage.

Jet Crashed into School Field During Training Flight

According to official sources, the crash occurred shortly before noon local time when the jet lost control and descended rapidly into a playing field occupied by primary and secondary school students.

Eyewitnesses described a horrifying scene as the jet roared overhead before slamming into the ground. Fire engulfed the crash site instantly, and rescuers battled thick smoke to recover the bodies.

Of the 31 confirmed fatalities, the majority were children aged between 9 and 15. The pilot of the aircraft reportedly attempted to eject but died on impact.

Air Force Response Raises Questions

In a brief statement, the Bangladesh Air Force expressed “deep regret” over the incident, calling it a “tragic loss during an operational accident.” However, they have yet to provide specific details on the jet’s maintenance history, flight path, or the exact cause of the crash.

Many parents and civil society groups are calling for an independent investigation into the military’s operational standards and training practices. Critics say the military has failed to implement necessary safety protocols, especially in proximity to civilian areas.

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Student Protests Surge in Dhaka and Beyond

Following the crash, thousands of students poured onto the streets of Dhaka, Gazipur, and Chittagong, blocking roads and chanting slogans such as “Justice for the children” and “Accountability now!”

Demonstrators clashed briefly with police outside the Ministry of Defence on Tuesday, leading to several arrests. University students have called for a nationwide shutdown until a transparent investigation is launched.

“This is not just a tragic accident — it’s the result of neglect,” said Tamanna Rahman, a protest organizer from Dhaka University. “Children were killed because someone failed to do their job.”

Government Under Pressure to Act

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called for calm and declared a national day of mourning. She also promised a “full inquiry” into the incident, but many see the pledge as insufficient.

Activists argue that Bangladesh’s military often operates with little public oversight, and that prior incidents involving training missions have been downplayed or dismissed.

Families of victims have demanded compensation, criminal charges, and a long-term review of aviation safety practices within the military.

International Condolences and Attention

The crash has drawn international attention, with leaders from India, the UK, and the UN offering condolences. Human rights watchdogs have called on Bangladesh to uphold transparency in its handling of the crisis and prioritize civilian safety in future air operations.

A Tragedy That Demands Answers

As the nation mourns, the pressure is mounting on Bangladeshi authorities to move beyond promises and take real action. The loss of 31 innocent lives, most of them children, has ignited a movement demanding justice, accountability, and reform.

What began as a “routine military training” has turned into a national reckoning. The country waits for answers, and change.