Milestone TragedyBAF pays tribute with guard of honour to two teachers

The Bangladesh Air Force has paid tribute to two teachers of Milestone School and College Maherin Chowdhury and Masuka Begum with a solemn guard of honour at their graves, in recognition of their bravery during Monday's fatal plane crash in Uttara.

Both teachers lost their lives while trying to save students after a military training aircraft crashed into the school premises.

On Wednesday (23 July), a team from the Air Force paid tribute to Maherin at her grave in Bagulagari village under Nilphamari's Jaldhaka municipality. A floral wreath was placed on behalf of Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan.

They offered prayers for her departed soul and extended condolences to the grieving family.

On Friday (25 July), a 10-member team from the Air Force rendered guard of honour at the grave of Masuka in Sohagpur village of Ashuganj upazila in Brahmanbaria.

The team laid floral wreaths, visited the grave, offered prayers, and spoke with Masuka's family, expressing deep sympathy.

Speaking to reporters, Squadron Leader Mashiur Rahman said, “Dhaka is a highly strategic location where security is important. With growing population density in the surrounding areas, we are forced to compromise on many aspects while conducting flight operations.”

“Accidents can happen anytime, in any way,” he added. “Flying in Dhaka has continued since the country’s independence. Such incidents are rare.”

Meanwhile, the interim government has decided to give state honour to the two teachers.

The decision was made during an Advisory Council meeting held at the Chief Adviser's Office yesterday.

Masuka was from Chilokut village in Brahmanbaria Sadar upazila. She was the youngest of three siblings and the daughter of Siddiq Ahmed Chowdhury.

Her elderly father now lives with her elder sister in Sohagpur village, that’s why Masuka was buried in the local graveyard as per her last wish.

She completed her honours degree at Brahmanbaria Government College and earned her master’s from Eden College in Dhaka. About two years ago, she joined the English department of the primary section of Milestone School and College.