Dhaka, July 22 (V7N) – The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has issued a clarification regarding the tragic plane crash at Milestone School and College in Uttara, stating that the aircraft involved was not a training plane as reported by some media outlets.

In an official message released on Tuesday (July 22), the ISPR said, "Some media reports are inaccurately labeling the aircraft involved in the Milestone incident as a training aircraft. We would like to humbly reiterate that it was a combat-ready fighter jet, engaged in a training mission."

According to ISPR, the FT-7 BGI fighter aircraft, a Chinese-made jet used for training and operational purposes, took off from the AK Khandaker Air Force Base in Kurmitola at 1:06 PM on Monday (July 21). The Fire Service and Civil Defense was informed of the crash at 1:18 PM, when the aircraft reportedly crashed into a two-story building on the school premises due to a mechanical failure.

While the aircraft was participating in a training mission, ISPR emphasized that it remains a combat-capable fighter jet and not merely a training craft as described in early reports.

Meanwhile, the death toll has risen to 27, according to Dr. Sayedur Rahman, Special Assistant to the Chief Advisor. Apart from one pilot and one teacher, all the deceased were students of Milestone School and College.

Authorities continue rescue and recovery operations at the site, and the government has declared a national day of mourning, with special prayers and flags at half-mast across the country.

END/RH/AJ