Heroic Teacher Sacrifices Life to Save Students in Bangladesh Jet Crash

A tragic incident unfolded on July 23, 2025, when a Bangladesh Air Force fighter jet crashed into the Milestone School and College in Uttara, Dhaka, resulting in the death of at least 29 individuals, predominantly children. Among the casualties was Maherin Chowdhury, a 46-year-old English teacher, who perished while heroically attempting to rescue her students from the inferno caused by the crash.

According to a statement from the Bangladesh Air Force, the F-7 BGI fighter jet experienced mechanical failure shortly after takeoff from a nearby airbase during a routine training mission. The pilot attempted to divert the aircraft from populated areas but tragically lost control, leading to the catastrophe.

In the aftermath, Chowdhury's brother, Munaf Mojib Chowdhury, recounted her bravery, stating, "When her husband called her, pleading with her to leave the scene and think of her children, she refused, saying, 'They are also my children. They are burning. How can I leave them?'" Her selfless actions reportedly saved at least 20 students, as confirmed by several survivors who expressed their gratitude to the teacher during visits to the hospital.

Khadija Akter, the headmistress of the primary section of Milestone School, reflected on the chaos that ensued during the crash: "When the plane crashed and fire broke out, everyone was running to save their lives. She ran to save others." Chowdhury succumbed to her injuries after suffering severe burns and was laid to rest in her hometown of Nilphamari the following day.

The tragedy has ignited widespread protests among students and parents, demanding accountability and improved safety measures. Protesters voiced their concerns over the operation of aging military aircraft in populated areas, calling for an investigation into the incident and a review of air force training protocols. In response to these demands, the Bangladesh government has stated that it is collaborating with military officials, school authorities, and hospitals to compile a list of victims and address the community's concerns.

Local authorities indicated that the air force would be instructed to avoid conducting training exercises over populated regions in the future. The F-7 BGI, a variant of the Chengdu J-7/F-7 aircraft, was acquired by Bangladesh in a contract signed in 2011, with all deliveries completed by 2013. The aircraft is known to be the most advanced in its class, yet its operational safety has come under scrutiny following this incident.

As the investigation continues, the emotional toll on the community remains palpable. A father lamented the loss of his daughter in the crash, underscoring the profound impact this event has had on families across Dhaka. The international community, including humanitarian organizations, is closely monitoring the situation, offering assistance as needed.

This tragic event not only highlights the risks associated with military training operations in urban areas but also the extraordinary courage embodied by individuals like Maherin Chowdhury, who, in the face of unimaginable danger, chose to prioritize the safety of her students over her own life. The implications of this incident could lead to significant changes in military policy and community safety measures in Bangladesh moving forward.