Milestone School and College: A Beacon of Learning Shattered by Tragedy
On July 21, 2025, Milestone School and College, a well-known private educational institution in Uttara, Dhaka, became the tragic center of a national disaster when a military jet crashed directly into its campus. The institution, once a symbol of academic excellence and progressive education, now mourns the loss of dozens of innocent lives—students, teachers, and staff.
About Milestone School and College
Milestone School and College is a prominent English and Bangla medium private school located in the bustling suburb of Uttara, Sector 11, in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh.
Key Features:
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Established: Early 2000s
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Affiliated: Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education, Dhaka
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Curriculum: National curriculum in both English and Bangla versions
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Classes: Pre-school to Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)
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Students: Over 2,000 enrolled
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Campuses: Separate buildings for junior, middle, and higher sections
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Facilities: Computer labs, science labs, sports ground, and library
Nurturing Students from the Start
Milestone has been known for its balanced approach to education—focusing not just on academics, but also on personality development, digital literacy, creativity, and social responsibility.
Children as young as 3 years old start their academic journey here in Nursery and continue through a nurturing and well-structured system until HSC. The school fosters an environment where curiosity is encouraged and safety is prioritized—which made the tragic event even more painful for the community.
July 21 Tragedy: What Happened
On the fateful day of July 21, 2025, at approximately 1:06 PM, a Bangladesh Air Force F‑7 BGI fighter jet crashed into the school during class hours.
Impact Details:
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The jet hit the junior section where classes like Nursery, Class 1, 2, and 3 were being conducted.
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A huge explosion followed by a fire engulfed classrooms.
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At least 19 people were killed, including the pilot, 16 students, and 2 teachers.
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Over 160 others were injured—many with burns and trauma.
The school building was severely damaged, with parts of it reduced to rubble. Emergency response teams rushed in, pulling children from debris, treating injuries, and calming the frantic crowd of parents and staff.
Remembering the Lost
Milestone School is now not just a school but a memorial—a site of heartbreak and resilience. Photographs of lost students, their unfinished notebooks, and abandoned schoolbags now symbolize interrupted dreams.
Candlelight vigils, prayers, and floral tributes continue to flood the gates of the school, with messages reading:
“We came here for education, not for death.”
“Our children deserved to come home.”
Restoration and Support
In response to the tragedy:
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The Bangladesh government announced compensation for victims’ families.
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A trauma and counseling center has been set up for students and families.
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The Education Ministry has partnered with NGOs to ensure emotional support and alternative learning spaces for survivors.
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The management of Milestone School pledged to rebuild the affected sections with improved safety measures.
Future of the Institution
While Milestone School has faced a devastating blow, the administration has expressed strong intent to reopen and rebuild, ensuring the safety and dignity of every child is preserved.
Educational leaders across the country are calling for:
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Reevaluation of training air routes
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Stricter building safety codes
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Better emergency preparedness in schools
Final Words
Milestone School and College was not just a building—it was a home to thousands of students' dreams. This tragedy has brought the entire nation to a moment of pause, sorrow, and reflection. But in the face of this unimaginable loss, the Milestone community stands united.
May those innocent lives lost rest in peace. May those left behind find the strength to rebuild.