Tension gripped Dhaka on Tuesday as angry students clashed with police, demanding answers from the interim government after a Bangladesh Air Force fighter jet crashed into a school, killing 31 people, 25 of them children.
The tragedy unfolded on Monday afternoon, just as classes were ending and children, many under the age of 12, were preparing to go home. A Chinese manufactured F-7 BGI jet suddenly plunged into the school building, exploding on impact and setting off a massive blaze. Pupils were trapped under debris and flames, with many unable to escape,and this eventually causing their death.
The military later confirmed the aircraft suffered a mechanical failure during a routine training mission.
On Tuesday, students from the affected school and nearby colleges gathered at the crash site as two government officials arrived. Chanting slogans like “Why did our brothers die? We demand answers!”, they called for transparency and an accurate death toll.
Elsewhere in Dhaka, protests intensified. Hundreds of students, some carrying sticks, stormed the main gate of the federal government secretariat, calling for the resignation of the education adviser. Local television showed dramatic footage of the unrest.
Police responded with force, baton-charging the demonstrators and using tear gas and sound grenades to disperse the crowds. Witnesses said dozens were injured. Dhaka Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner Talebur Rahman confirmed the use of tear gas but said he had no details on the number of injuries.
Meanwhile, rescue teams continued to search through the blackened remains of the school buildings, while heartbroken parents and residents stood by in disbelief.
Others, like Rubina Akter, shared narrow escapes. Her son, Raiyan Toufiq, survived with minor injuries. “His shirt caught fire on the staircase,” she said. “He ran to the ground floor and rolled on the grass to put it out. He tore off his shirt and vest, that saved him from getting badly burned.”
The incident has sparked grief, anger, and serious questions about safety and accountability, with the public now demanding answers from those in power.
Among those grieving was Abul Hossain, who lost his nine year old daughter, Nusrat Jahan Anika. “I took her to school yesterday morning like every day. I had no idea it would be the last time I would be seeing her,” he said, holding back tears. She was laid to rest Monday night.
