Should Bangladesh Human Rights Watch Demand an 'Independent Probe' into the Dhaka Plane Crash?

New Delhi/Dhaka, July 23 (NationPress) The Bangladesh Human Rights Watch (BHRW) has called for an urgent, independent inquiry to uncover the causes, responsibilities, and failures associated with the crash of a Bangladesh Air Force training aircraft at Milestone School and College in Dhaka's Diabari on July 21. This tragic incident has resulted in the loss of 32 lives and left over 165 individuals injured.

The BHRW has also demanded immediate medical, financial, and psychological assistance for the survivors and families affected by this disaster. They urged the publication of a complete, publicly-verified list of the deceased and injured to prevent families from facing misinformation and uncertainty during their time of grief.

“We present ourselves with heavy hearts, burdened by a profound sense of sorrow for our nation following the catastrophic crash of the Bangladesh Air Force training aircraft at Milestone School and College in Diabari, Dhaka. What should have been an ordinary day turned tragic as the training jet crashed onto the school grounds, leading to the deaths and injuries of numerous innocent children, dedicated teachers, caring guardians, and the young pilot—leaving the community shattered and the nation in mourning,” stated Mohammed Ali Siddiqui, Secretary General of BHRW.

He mentioned that this incident follows a recent crackdown and violent actions in Gopalganj district, executed by security forces under the direction of the interim regime. The BHRW accused the interim government of neglecting the legitimate grievances of the populace and resorting to violence.

“This horrific event has occurred shortly after a brutal crackdown and widespread violence in Gopalganj district, orchestrated by security forces under the Interim Regime. In response to the legitimate grievances of the mourning public, the regime has only intensified its violent measures. Many deceased and injured individuals remain unaccounted for, and a significant public outcry is resonating throughout Dhaka and the rest of the country. There appears to be a deliberate attempt to obscure the extent of the devastation, which we vehemently condemn,” Siddiqui added.

“In the wake of this grave tragedy, the rising public outcry, and the ongoing inaction of the interim regime—especially following the jet crash and the brutal crackdown in Gopalganj—we have made the tough decision to postpone the press conference that was initially set to take place as planned,” he continued.

The BHRW remains committed to engaging with all stakeholders while facing the challenges posed by the 'brutal, extremist-led regime' currently governing Bangladesh. They expressed solidarity with the families affected by the Diabari crash, as well as persecuted communities in Gopalganj and across Bangladesh, pledging to continue their fight for truth and justice.

In a direct message to the Yunus government, Siddiqui remarked, “To the government of Dr. Muhammad Younus, we must clarify: this is not merely a political issue; it is a profound human tragedy that demands truth, compassion, and accountability.”

Meanwhile, Milestone School and College announced the establishment of a seven-member committee tasked with determining the actual number of casualties, injuries, and missing individuals, amidst protests from students demanding accurate victim figures.

“At 1:12 PM on July 21 (Monday), an Air Force aircraft unexpectedly crashed onto the school building of the permanent Diabari campus. Many young students, teachers, staff, and guardians were either injured or killed at the scene. To ascertain the actual number of injured, deceased, and missing individuals, and to compile a list along with addresses, a committee composed of officials, faculty members, guardians, and students has been formed. The committee is expected to complete its work and submit a report within three working days,” stated the institution.

The committee is led by the college’s Principal Mohammad Ziaul Alam, which includes Vice Principal Masud Alam, Headmistress Khadija Akter, Coordinator Lutfunnesa Lopa, guardian Moniruzzaman Molla, and two student representatives, Maruf Bin Ziaur Rahman and Tasnim Bhuiyan.