On Monday, July 21, 2025, a Bangladesh Air Force F-7 BGI training aircraft crashed into Milestone School and College in Dhaka’s Uttara, claiming 32 lives, mostly children. Among them was eighth-grader Abdullah Shamim, who succumbed to his injuries at the National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute. Meanwhile, Afasana Priya, mother of a third-grade student, remains missing after rushing to the school to save her son.Abdullah Shamim’s Courageous Final Moments
Fourteen-year-old Abdullah Shamim lay in the ICU of the National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute, his body 95% burned. Despite excruciating pain, he asked his elder sister Farzana Kanika, “Apu, is my body badly burned?” Farzana, holding back tears, reassured him, “No, bhaiya, you’ll be okay.” Tragically, Shamim passed away that night. His bravery shone through as he walked to soldiers on his own, pleading, “Save me,” and recited his family’s phone number to ensure they were informed. Farzana said, “My brother was so brave! Despite 95% burns, he walked to seek help.” Shamim was laid to rest in Shariatpur on Tuesday afternoon.
Afasana Priya’s Mysterious Disappearance
Afasana Priya (30), wife of businessman Abdul Wahab Mridha from Kaliakair, Gazipur, went missing after rushing to Milestone School to save her son, Afasan Ohi (9), a third-grader. While Afasan was found unharmed, Afasana remains untraced. Her relative Aminul Islam Jony said, “I found my daughter crying at the school with a stranger’s help, but my wife is nowhere to be found.” He searched multiple hospitals in Uttara and the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) but found no trace. A burned national ID card of Afasana was spotted on social media, but her whereabouts remain unknown.
Other Tragic Losses
Third-grader Raisa Moni was confirmed dead after her body was identified at CMH by her father, Shahabul Sheikh. Seventh-grader Ukya Sain Marma (13), the only child of teacher couple Usai Mong Marma and Tejipru Marma from Rangamati, died in the ICU at 3 a.m. on Monday. Currently, 78 victims are under treatment at the National Burn Institute, with five in the ICU.
The nation observed a day of mourning, with thousands gathering to donate blood at the Burn Institute. The cries of grieving families echo in hospital corridors, underscoring the tragedy’s devastating impact.
