Dhaka, Aug 19 (V7N) – Family members of three teachers from Milestone School and College, who tragically died following a devastating plane crash, met with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday afternoon at the State Guest House Jamuna. The teachers — Maheerin Chowdhury, Masuka Begum, and Mahfuza Khanam — have been remembered across the country for their selflessness and bravery in the face of a national tragedy.
 
During the meeting, Professor Yunus offered condolences to the grieving families, stating, "Though some time has passed, the memory of this incident is still fresh in all of our hearts. We can offer sympathy, but we cannot erase the pain. However, I want you to know that this grief is not yours alone — the entire nation carries it with you."
 
Family members shared emotional recollections of their loved ones. Mansur Helal, husband of teacher Maheerin Chowdhury, recalled their final phone conversation as she was being taken to the hospital. "When I asked her why she didn’t escape the burning plane, thinking of her own two children, she replied, ‘They are my children too. How could I leave them behind?’ She sacrificed herself to save others. People of all faiths prayed for her — she was devoted to everyone."
 
Maheerin's two sons, Adil Rashid and Ayan Rashid, as well as her siblings and extended family, were present at the meeting.
 
Mahfuza Khanam, who fought for her life for 24 days at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, passed away on August 14. Her daughter, Ayesha Siddiqua, broke down in tears while recalling her mother’s struggle and resilience. “When I first saw my mother sitting in a wheelchair, it felt like I had conquered the world. But now I have neither father nor mother. I have not been able to return home because I cannot imagine entering that house without her.”
 
Papri Rahman and Khalilur Rahman, sister and brother-in-law of teacher Masuka Begum, spoke of her deep commitment to family and students. "She supported her aging father and visually impaired sister and treated our children like her own. Her life revolved around her family and her school."
 
Professor Yunus praised the teachers as national heroes. "It is painful to hear these stories, but also a matter of pride. These teachers jumped into the fire to save others — they gave us a new meaning of sacrifice. We all ask ourselves, ‘What would I have done in that moment?’ Their actions have touched the conscience of the entire nation."
 
He added, "These teachers are our pride and our role models. We must preserve their memory, and we will take all necessary steps to do so."
 
Also present at the meeting were several government advisers: Rizwana Hasan (Environment), Noorjahan Begum (Health), Farida Akhtar (Fisheries and Livestock), Sharmin S. Murshid (Women and Children Affairs), Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan (Road Transport, Power and Energy), C.R. Abrar (Education), Adilur Rahman Khan (Housing and Public Works), and Lamia Morshed (Chief SDG Coordinator to the Chief Adviser).
 
The gathering served as a solemn tribute to three lives lost in service to others — teachers who, in their final moments, chose duty, love, and humanity over self-preservation.
 
END/SMA/AJ/