Probe Finds Pilot's Error in Milestone School Aircraft Crash

BSS

Publish : 05 Nov 2025, 06:30 PM

Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam speaks at a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy this afternoon. Photo: PID

The investigation committee formed over an Air Force training aircraft crash at Milestone School and College here found the pilot's operational error and recommended that all Air Force initial training be conducted outside Dhaka.

"The probe body concluded that the tragedy resulted from a pilot's operational error during flying, which led to a loss of control over the aircraft. Among the major recommendations, the body proposed that, for public safety, all initial Air Force training should henceforth be conducted outside Dhaka," Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy this afternoon.

He said, earlier today, head of the investigation committee Lieutenant General SM Kamrul Hassan, Principal Staff Officer (PSO) of the Armed Forces Division, formally handed over the report to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna here.

The devastating accident occurred on July 21 when an Air Force training aircraft crashed onto the school premises, killing 36 people - 28 students, three teachers, three parents, one staff member and the pilot.

The press secretary said the probe committee formed on July 29, interviewed around 150 individuals, including experts, eyewitnesses, and victims' families, and gathered 168 pieces of information. Based on the findings, the committee placed 33 recommendations to the government, he added.

BB Axes Boards of 5 Shariah Banks to Form Single Islamic Bank

One of the key findings also revealed that the school building was not built following the Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC) of RAJUK, Shafiqul Alam said, adding, the structure had only one staircase instead of the required three, which the committee noted could have significantly reduced casualties.

The investigation report highlighted several key safety issues related to airports and air operations, he said, adding, it identified a shortage of aircraft in the Air Force and emphasized the need to equip all airport fire stations with foam tenders to effectively control aviation-related fires.

The report also recommended that the Civil Aviation Authority strictly enforce height restrictions and prohibit the construction of high-risk establishments - such as schools, hospitals, warehouses, and small industries - within the take-off and landing funnel zones near airports to prevent large-scale tragedies in case of accidents.

Additionally, the committee stressed the importance of proper maintenance of airstrips across the country to ensure safe flight operations.

On the occasion, the Chief Adviser instructed to expand the runways of Barishal and Bogura airports to enhance capacity for the operation of military and civil aviation.

Observing that several areas under Rajuk's jurisdiction - such as Savar, Kanchan and Tarabo municipalities - were issuing building permits without strictly following BNBC regulations, Professor Yunus emphasised on following the guidelines strictly.

He also instructed that Rajuk's building code be uniformly implemented in these areas to ensure construction safety.

Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad and Assistant Press Secretary Shuchismita Tithi were present at the briefing.

Follow google news channel to get RTV news Google News

Related More News

Dr Asif Nazrul, Dr Khalilur Meet Foreign Dignitaries

Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul and National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman today (Wednesday) met visiting Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Speaker of the Pakistan National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Nepal's Foreign Minister Bala Nanda Sharma, and Bhutan's Foreign Minister DN Dhungyel at Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban here. Read More Pakistan Speaker and Indian Minister Meet at Begum Zia’s Funeral The dignitaries arrived in Dhaka to attend the last rites of former Prime Minister and national leader Begum Khaleda Zia, who passed away yesterday. The advisers expressed their gratitude to the visiting dignitaries for their presence and for showing solidarity with the people of Bangladesh during this time of national mourning.

Pakistan Speaker and Indian Minister Meet at Begum Zia’s Funeral

In a notable moment of regional diplomacy, Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar exchanged greetings on Wednesday at Manik Mia Avenue, ahead of the state funeral of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. Both leaders arrived in the capital this morning, representing their respective governments to pay final respects to the three-time former premier and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson. Their presence underscores the significant regional impact of Khaleda Zia’s long political career and her role in South Asian affairs. Read More Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker Calls on CA Prior to the commencement of the namaz-e-janaza, Speaker Sadiq and Minister Jaishankar met with BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. They conveyed formal condolence messages on behalf of Pakistan and India, expressing deep sympathy for the bereaved family and the people of Bangladesh. The interaction between the high-ranking officials of the two neighboring nations, amidst a sea of millions of mourners, highlighted a rare moment of shared respect for the veteran Bangladeshi leader. Dignitaries from across the globe have gathered in Dhaka today, reflecting a broad international recognition of Khaleda Zia's legacy as a symbol of democratic struggle in the region. Following the funeral prayers, both foreign representatives joined the state processional as the nation prepares to lay the "uncompromising leader" to her eternal rest.

Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker Calls on CA

Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan Sardar Ayaz Sadiq today called on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna here, according to the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing. Earlier, he handed over Islamabad's condolence message to BNP Acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman at the death of three-time former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, reflecting Pakistan's deep respect for Bangladesh's late uncompromising leader. Read More Begum Zia Laid to Eternal Rest at Zia Udyan with Full State Honors Sadiq met Tarique Rahman at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban this afternoon and formally conveyed the condolence message before the namaj-e-janaza of Begum Khaleda Zia at the Manik Mia Avenue here this afternoon. Earlier in the day, the Speaker of Pakistan's National Assembly arrived here to attend the funeral of the former prime minister and BNP chairperson, representing the government of Pakistan.

Begum Zia Laid to Eternal Rest at Zia Udyan with Full State Honors

An era in Bangladesh's political history concluded on Wednesday as former Prime Minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia was laid to eternal rest with full state honors. The three-time premier was interred beside her husband, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, at Zia Udyan in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar at approximately 4:30 pm. The burial followed a massive funeral prayer (namaz-e-janaza) at Manik Mia Avenue, where hundreds of thousands of mourners gathered in an unprecedented display of national grief. The prayers were led at 3:02 pm by the renowned Islamic scholar and Khatib of Baitul Mukarram, Mufti Mohammad Abdul Malek. The congregation was joined by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, the chiefs of the three services, interim government advisers, and high-level foreign dignitaries from across South Asia, including representatives from India and Pakistan. The final journey of the "uncompromising leader" began early Wednesday morning when her body, draped in the national flag, was brought to the Parliament area from the residence of her son, Tarique Rahman. Read More Please Pray for My Mother: Tarique Rahman Despite the biting winter cold, millions of citizens from every corner of the country converged on the capital to pay their final respects. To ensure order, a multi-layered security detail involving the Army, Police, RAB and BGB was deployed across the city. Begum Khaleda Zia’s death at age 80 follows a month-long battle with chronic health complications at Evercare Hospital. Her legacy spans 41 years of political leadership, during which she transitioned from a homemaker to a three-time Prime Minister and five-term Member of Parliament. She was famously known for her steadfast resolve during the anti-autocracy movements of the 1990s and for her historic record of never losing an election she contested. While the general public was restricted from the immediate burial site to maintain solemnity, the sheer scale of the gathering at her janaza served as a powerful testament to her enduring connection with the people of Bangladesh. As she was laid to rest with military honors, the nation observed a day of mourning for the woman who spent over four decades shaping its democratic path.

Please Pray for My Mother: Tarique Rahman

In a deeply emotional moment preceding the funeral prayers at Manik Mia Avenue, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman addressed a massive congregation of millions, seeking spiritual blessings for his mother, Begum Khaleda Zia. Standing before the sea of mourners, he introduced himself simply as her eldest son and made a heartfelt request: "Please pray for my mother so that Allah grants her Jannat (Paradise)." The namaz-e-janaza of the three-time former Prime Minister and country's first female premier was conducted by Mufti Mohammad Abdul Malek, Khatib of the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque. Read More Millions Bid Tearful Farewell as Begum Zia’s Janaza Concludes Before the prayers, BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan shared a brief biography, reflecting on her journey as a political icon. The red-and-green national flag-wrapped coffin was brought to the venue with full state honors at 2:45 pm, with the prayers commencing at 3:00 pm. The gathering was attended by the highest levels of the state, including Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury. They were joined by foreign dignitaries, interim government advisers, the chiefs of the three services, and senior civil and military officers, alongside an overwhelming number of citizens from all walks of life. As the final prayers were offered, the venue echoed with the sound of weeping as mourners bid a tearful adieu to their beloved leader. Following the ceremony, her body was taken to Zia Udyan to be laid to eternal rest beside the grave of her husband, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, with full state honors.