Milestone tragedy victim’s courage, humanity inspired the nation: Zubaida

Prime Minister's wife and Vice-President of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation Dr Zubaida Rahman said on Tuesday that the courage, fortitude and humanity displayed by the teachers, students, and parents following the tragic accident in the city’s Milestone School and College will remain a glaring example for the nation.

"The example of courage, compassion, and sacrifice that the country and the world have witnessed during this difficult time is rare in history...People for the people, the true beauty of humanity lies in coming forward with this spirit," she said.

Zubaida Rahman made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion organised in memory of the martyrs of the Milestone School and College Tragic Air Accident at the auditorium of the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in the afternoon.

On this day in 2025, a Bangladesh Air Force training aircraft crashed into Milestone School and College in Uttara, killing 36 people including 28 students. 

At the outset of her speech, Zubaida Rahman remembered with deep respect all the students, teachers, employees, and others who lost their lives in the Milestone tragedy.

She prayed for eternal peace of the departed souls and expressed sympathy to the bereaved family members.

She remembered the young students, teachers, flight lieutenant, coordinator, and other staffs who died in the accident and expressed deep grief and heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.

"The sudden and horrific accident has left the entire country and nation in mourning and shock. The whole nation shares the grief of those who lost their loved ones," she added.

She prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and said that everyone must move forward by transforming grief into strength.

Zubaida further said that the morale of the injured teachers and students of the Milestone tragedy is a source of inspiration for everyone. 

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"The nation will never forget how they have moved forward with courage and determination despite their horrific experiences. The fortitude gained through this difficult time will provide courage in any life crisis and inspire one to stand by others in their suffering," she added.

Zubaida thanked the representatives of various assisting organizations, including the Fire Service, Doctors Association of Bangladesh, Ziaur Rahman Foundation, National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, for extending a helping hand during the crisis.

She gratefully recalled the assistance provided by the various friendly countries including the UK, China, India and Singapore following the accident.

Speaking as a special guest, Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Sakhawat Husain described the Milestone School accident as one of the darkest chapters in the nation’s history.

He paid tribute to teacher Maherin Chowdhury, who lost her life while rescuing burnt children, and highlighted the contributions of local and international medical teams, mentioning a recent visit by a delegation from Singapore General Hospital.

National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery Director Prof Mohammad Nasir Uddin chaired the event, which included prayers for the victims and a silent tribute.

State Minister for Health and Family Welfare MA Muhit, Chinese Ambassador to Dhaka Yao Wen, Acting British High Commissioner James Goldman, Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi, Health Secretary Kamruzzaman Chowdhury, Prof Farhad Halim Doner and DAB President Harunur Rashid attended the event, along with foreign diplomats, medical staff and affected families.

After the event the UK High Commission in Dhaka issued a statement: "The UK is proud to have stood alongside Bangladesh during this difficult time. Working with NIBPS, the UK Emergency Medical Team supported survivors, strengthened burn care, and helped build lasting clinical capacity for the future."