Dhaka, Jan 09 (V7N) – Families affected by the Milestone School and College air crash in Uttara, where a Bangladesh Air Force training fighter jet crashed, have rejected the government’s proposed compensation, calling instead for justice, martyr recognition, rehabilitation, memorialization, and long-term support.
 
The demands were presented during a press conference on Thursday at the Crime Reporters’ Association of Bangladesh (CRAB) auditorium. Speaking at the event, Ashraful Islam, father of deceased students Nazia and Nafir, described the July 21 crash as one of the darkest days in Bangladesh’s history. At 1:12 pm, a training fighter jet crashed at the school’s Diya Bari campus, resulting in catastrophic loss of life.
 
The incident killed 28 students, three teachers, three guardians, one staff member, and the pilot, while injuring 172 others. Ashraful Islam lost both of his children in the tragedy and said several families were left without heirs.
 
According to Ashraful Islam, repeated appeals by victims’ families to relevant government offices have not been implemented. Initially, compensation of Tk 20 lakh for the families of the deceased and Tk 5 lakh for the injured was announced through the Prime Minister’s Press Secretary, which the families rejected. Later, a proposal suggested up to Tk 1 crore for the bereaved and Tk 60 lakh for the injured, which was also refused by the families.
 
The families’ five-point demand includes acknowledgment that the crash was caused by Air Force negligence and the school’s failure to comply with building codes, which increased casualties. They also allege corruption by the then Air Force chief, demanding recovery of misappropriated funds as part of compensation. They call for exemplary punishment of school authorities responsible for violations.
 
The families requested the court to ensure compensation under a High Court ruling to provide minimum security for their future. They emphasized that the value of life cannot be measured in money but honoring their children in meaningful ways provides solace.
 
The press conference also highlighted calls for recognition of the deceased as martyrs, issuance of certificates, establishment of memorials, and provision of all associated benefits. Families urged the declaration of July 21 as “National Education Mourning Day,” construction of a modern mosque complex in Uttara, and permanent maintenance of children’s graves.
 
Speakers stressed that long-term rehabilitation initiatives should be taken and warned that upholding justice and accountability would prevent future negligence, corruption, and mismanagement from causing similar tragedies.
 
END/MD/SMA/