Interim Government Acknowledges All Student Demands as Justified; Protests Continue Despite Advisers’ Assurances

The crash of a Bangladesh Air Force training fighter jet at Milestone School and College in Uttara, which claimed the lives of 27 students and injured at least 78 others, has cast a pall of grief over the entire country. In response, students began protesting on campus early Tuesday morning, demanding justice and accountability.

To address the escalating unrest, interim government advisers—Dr. Asif Nazrul (Legal Affairs), Prof. Dr. C.R. Abrar (Education), and the chief adviser’s press secretary Shafiqul Alam—visited the college around noon.

Official Response: All Six Demands Deemed Legitimate

Following a meeting with student representatives, a press statement from the Chief Adviser’s Office acknowledged that all six demands raised by students are legitimate and that the government is fully sympathetic to their concerns.

Dr. Asif Nazrul told reporters that a dedicated information center has been set up on campus to track updates on the deceased, injured, and missing. He also stated that compensation, rehabilitation, and trauma care for affected families are being arranged.

He added that the government has expressed regret over some “inappropriate behavior” by military personnel while managing the crowd and that the Army has been advised to take proper measures.

Importantly, he assured that no more training flights would be conducted over densely populated areas—a directive to be formally issued to the Air Force.

Prof. Abrar added that the new date for the postponed HSC examination (originally scheduled for July 24) will be announced soon.

Protests Continue Despite Assurances

Despite the assurances, student anger remained high. Protesters again surrounded the advisers and continued demonstrating on campus. As tensions escalated, law enforcement personnel were deployed in front of Building No. 5. During the protests, students were seen throwing bottles and clashing with police.

Students from nearby institutions, including RAJUK Uttara Model College, joined the protest in solidarity.

The Six-Point Student Demand

1. Full disclosure of names and identities of the deceased
   
   

2. Accurate and complete list of the injured
   
   

3. Compensation for each affected family
   
   

4. Decommissioning of outdated and unsafe training aircraft
   
   

5. Reform of the air force’s training procedures to ensure public safety
   
   

6. Unconditional apology for alleged military assault on teachers
   
   

Updated Casualty Figures

According to Dr. Md. Sayedur Rahman, special assistant to the Chief Adviser, the confirmed death toll stands at 27 students. Another 78 are currently hospitalized in four different medical facilities in Dhaka, with several in critical condition.