Dhaka, July 22 (V7N) – The British High Commission in Dhaka has lowered the Union Flag to half-mast to honor the victims of the tragic Bangladesh Air Force fighter jet crash at Milestone School and College in Uttara.

The flag was flown at half-mast from Tuesday morning as a mark of mourning and solidarity with the people of Bangladesh. In a post shared on social media, the British High Commission stated:

“The Union Flag will be flown at half-mast at the British High Commission today in memory of those who died in the tragic plane crash in Dhaka on Monday.”

The symbolic gesture conveys the embassy's deep condolences to the government and citizens of Bangladesh during this national tragedy.

As of the latest reports, the death toll from the accident has risen to 27, including students and a teacher, while 78 others are currently receiving treatment at various hospitals. So far, 20 bodies have been officially handed over to the families.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the crash occurred shortly after the FT-7 BGI fighter jet, used for training purposes, took off from the AK Khandaker Air Force Base in Kurmitola at 1:06 pm on Monday (July 21). The plane struck a two-story school building at Milestone School and College in Uttara due to a mechanical fault. The Fire Service received the alert at 1:18 pm.

The impact caused a devastating fire, and the area was soon filled with the screams of injured children and panicked parents searching for their loved ones. At least 171 people were injured in the incident, with emergency services continuing to provide support on the ground.

END/RH/AJ