DHAKA: A Bangladesh schoolteacher is being hailed as a national hero after sacrificing her life to save her students from a devastating jet crash and fire. Maherin Chowdhury, a 46-year-old English teacher at Milestone School and College in Dhaka, died while rescuing students when a Bangladesh Air Force training jet crashed into the school on 21 July.
Witnesses say Chowdhury repeatedly ran into burning classrooms to save children trapped by the flames. Despite her clothes catching fire, she continued pulling students to safety. She reportedly told her husband, “They are also my children,” when urged to evacuate. She later succumbed to severe burn injuries at a hospital.
The jet, identified as an FT-7 BGI, experienced engine failure shortly after take-off and crashed into the school campus, killing at least 29 people, including students, the pilot, and Chowdhury. Over 170 others sustained injuries, many of them serious. The pilot is believed to have tried steering the jet away from residential areas to minimise casualties.
The tragic event has shaken the nation, prompting a day of mourning and sparking protests across universities and colleges. Students and civil society groups are demanding a full investigation and accountability over the incident. Many are also calling for safer flight paths and enhanced safety regulations for military training flights.
Chowdhury’s funeral was held in her hometown of Nilphamari, where hundreds gathered to pay tribute. Colleagues and former students described her as deeply caring, calling her actions a final testament to her lifelong commitment to education and compassion.
Her selfless act has united the country in grief and admiration. Tributes continue to pour in across social media and national platforms, as Bangladesh remembers a teacher whose courage saved lives and inspired a nation.
