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The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Bangladesh has expressed profound shock at the tragic deaths of students and others in a Bangladesh Air Force training jet crash into Milestone School and College in Uttara early this week.
Apart from the students, the school's Coordinator Mahreen Chowdhury, and the pilot, Flight Lieutenant Toukir Islam, were also killed in the crash.
In separate condolence messages issued to the Principal of Milestone School and College Mohammad Ziaul Alam, and to the Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, ICC Bangladesh President Mahbubur Rahman conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved families and expressed solidarity with the entire Milestone community and the Bangladesh Air Force.
In his letter to Principal Mohammad Ziaul Alam, Mr Mahbubur Rahman acknowledged the devastating loss suffered by the school and commended the heroic act of Mrs Mahreen Chowdhury, who sacrificed her life while trying to save her students.
He also expressed gratitude to Mr Monsur Helal for bringing this act of bravery to the attention of the public. Prayers were offered for the souls of the departed and for the speedy recovery of about 200 students and others who sustained severe injuries in the crash.
The letter conveyed the deepest condolences of ICC Bangladesh and its members to the families of the victims and the Milestone School management at this moment of immense suffering and loss.
Addressing Air Chief Marshal Khan, the ICC Bangladesh President paid tributes to Flight Lt. Toukir Islam for his bravery, noting that he had made a valiant effort to steer the aircraft away from densely populated areas before the fatal impact.
He appreciated the swift steps taken by the Bangladesh Air Force in providing emergency support and medical attention to the injured.
In the same message, Mr Mahbubur Rahman called for long-term support measures to be undertaken by the authorities.
He urged the Bangladesh Air Force and relevant state agencies to ensure sustainable financial and medical assistance to the families of the deceased students, the late coordinator Mrs Mahreen Chowdhury, and the injured survivors.
He also suggested that employment opportunities be provided to the families facing economic hardship as a result of the tragedy.
Furthermore, he emphasised the urgent need to construct a new school building equipped with all necessary facilities, in order to restore the educational environment that has been so cruelly disrupted.
On behalf of ICC Bangladesh, the world business organisation, and in his personal capacity, Mr Mahbubur Rahman extended his deepest condolences to the family of Flight Lt. Toukir Islam and to all others who have endured irreparable loss.
Both letters concluded with prayers for peace, healing, and strength for the victims' families and the wider community affected by this national tragedy.
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