Dhaka, July 22 (V7N) — The Government of Bangladesh has declared a day of national mourning today, Tuesday, following a tragic aircraft crash in the Diabari area of Uttara in the capital. The incident occurred on the premises of Milestone School and College when a Bangladesh Air Force training aircraft crashed during a routine flight, resulting in fatalities and injuries.
 
The announcement was made in an official statement issued Monday by the Press Wing of the Chief Advisor to the interim government. In observance of the national mourning, the national flag is being flown at half-mast on all government, semi-government, and autonomous institutions, as well as all educational establishments across the country. Bangladeshi missions abroad have also been instructed to lower the national flag. Furthermore, special prayers are being offered at religious institutions nationwide for the victims of the crash.
 
The President of Bangladesh, Mohammed Shahabuddin, expressed his deep sorrow and condolences over the tragic loss of life. In a statement released by the Directorate of Information, the President prayed for the departed souls and conveyed his heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved families. He also wished a swift and full recovery for those injured in the accident.
 
Chief Advisor of the interim government, Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, also extended his condolences, describing the event as an irreparable loss. He emphasized the emotional and practical impact on members of the Air Force and the Milestone School and College community, including students, teachers, staff, and guardians. Dr. Yunus instructed all relevant authorities and medical facilities to respond with utmost priority in managing the aftermath of the crash and assisting the injured.
 
In a wave of national and institutional grief, condolences have poured in from various sectors. Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed, Law Advisor Dr. Asif Nazrul, Home Affairs Advisor Jahangir Alam, Education Advisor Professor Dr. C. R. Abrar, Finance Advisor Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, and several other interim government advisors have expressed their sorrow.
 
Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, Chief of the Bangladesh Air Force, and Air Vice Marshal Mostafa Mahmood Siddique, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), also released statements offering their condolences and assuring a full investigation into the incident.
 
Political leaders from across the spectrum, including BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, and other leaders from the National Citizens' Party (NCP), Islami Andolan, Jatiya Party, CPB, JASAD, Biplobi Workers’ Party, and Hefazat-e-Islam, have all issued messages of sympathy and solidarity.
 
Numerous professional and civic organizations have also expressed their condolences. These include the Ministry of Education, European Union, FBCCI, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF), RAJUK, Dhaka North City Corporation, National Press Club, Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU), Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists, Dhaka Union of Journalists, Crime Reporters’ Association of Bangladesh (CRAB), Law Reporters Forum (LRF), Bangladesh Olympic Association, Handball Federation, Kabaddi Federation, Sports Press Association (BSPA), and Bangladesh Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Unity Council, among others.
 
In light of the tragedy, the National Citizens' Party (NCP) has postponed today’s scheduled July rally and associated programs. A drone show in Jatrabari scheduled for Monday was also canceled. Additionally, the National Fisheries Week event, originally set for 10:30 a.m. today, has been rescheduled for Wednesday at the China-Bangladesh Friendship Conference Center.
 
To honor the victims and pray for the recovery of the injured, the Islamic Foundation has directed all mosques nationwide to hold special prayers following the Zuhr prayer today, Tuesday. The central prayer gathering will be held at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, with Imams, mosque committees, and congregants participating in a collective du’a and monajat for the victims.
 
Authorities have committed to a full investigation into the cause of the crash, while hospitals across the capital continue to provide treatment to the injured. As the nation grieves, the unity and collective response reflect a shared resolve to support those affected during this painful time.
 
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