One year of the Milestone tragedy, the terrible memories still haunt us

It has been one year since the plane crash at Milestone School and College in Diyabari, Uttara, in the capital. The institution has remembered the students, teachers and others who died in that terrible incident.

The day was observed with grief, respect and painful remembrance. A memorial service and prayer mahfil were organized to pray for the peace of the souls of the deceased.

Teachers, students, guardians and members of various organizations paid their respects by placing flowers at the memorial erected in front of the Haider Ali Academic Building on the Diyabari campus in the morning.

The event was attended by Milestone College founder and advisor Col. (retd) Nuron Nabi, Principal Mohammad Ziaul Alam and various officials of the institution.

That terrible day came back to the memory

Assistant Professor of the English Department, Moniruzzaman Mollah, who witnessed the accident, said that after the plane crashed, fire spread in all directions within moments. The entire area was in a state of panic due to the loud explosion and the screams of the children.

He said that while rescuing, he saw some children trapped in the fire. At the same time, teacher Mahreen Chowdhury was trying to move some children to a safe place, risking her own life.

Moniruzzaman said that even though she was burned in the fire, Mahreen Chowdhury tried to save the children until the last moment.

He also said that even after the accident, the sound of the plane created panic among many. Even her own children used to be afraid of hearing the sound of the plane for a long time.

‘Miss, please save us’

Teacher Farzana Kaberi became emotional while reminiscing about that day.

She said that when the fire spread, the children were calling her for help. Many children were saying, “Miss, please save us.”

Farzana said that it was difficult to find a way out due to the fire all around. The horror of that moment still haunts her.

She also said that the deceased children were not just students, they were like their own children to the teachers. The countless memories associated with them still make everyone cry.

The investigation report reveals the reason

An investigation commission was formed after the accident. The investigation report said that no evidence of a technical fault with the aircraft was found.

The report mentioned the pilot's lack of training, weak supervision, and some issues related to the building construction as possible causes of the accident.

On November 4 last year, the investigation commission submitted its report to the then government's chief advisor.

Questions about compensation

Meanwhile, discussions are also underway on whether the families affected by the accident have yet received the full compensation announced.

The government has said that necessary measures will be taken to deliver the compensation money to the affected families.

Even though a year has passed, that day of the milestone tragedy is still a deeply painful memory for teachers, students, and parents.