Moment of mourning as Bangladesh jet crash victims gather in prayer
Afghan‑Bangladeshi Survivors Pray for School Crash Victims
In the wake of a fighter jet collision that killed 32 individuals, Islamic congregations throughout Bangladesh have convened special prayers atop the Baitul Mukarram NSS in Dhaka.
Accident Overview
- The crash involved a Chinese‑made F‑7 BJI aircraft that slammed into the Milestone School & College.
- A mechanical failure caused the aircraft to tumble into the school building on Monday.
- Initial reports indicated 31 fatalities and 170 injuries.
Latest Deaths and Injuries
The hospital coordinator Sarkar Farhana Kabir confirmed that a 10‑year‑old girl, Tasnim Afroz Ayman, succumbed to
45 percent burns that she endured in a high‑dependency unit.
Her uncle, Saiful Islam, recounted how the girl’s spirit remained calm and composed in her final hours.
As of Friday, 51 survivors were receiving treatment in various city hospitals.
Memorial Prayer Efforts
All mosques nationwide are holding special prayers during Friday’s Friday congregation following a directive from the government.
Family Grief
- Ashraful Islam offered prayers at a mosque near the school and lost both his children.
- Tahia Asraf Nazia, aged 13, and Arian Asraf Nafi, aged 9, were the children who died in the crash.
- Ashraful said, “I have nothing left.”
- Nazia perpetually asked about her younger brother until her last breath. Her final request was a piece of ice cream, according to her aunt Naznin Akhter.
- Her last words: “I’m burning inside. Give me some ice cream… and don’t let go of my hand.”
International Burn Care Assistance
Doctors specializing in burn care from India and Singapore have been dispatched to help Bangladeshi colleagues.
Aviation Investigation
A military investigation has been opened to determine the cause of the accident.
