Special Correspondent //

India, Pakistan, the European Union (EU), Japan and Switzerland have expressed their “deep sorrow” over the crash of a Bangladesh Air Force training plane at the Milestone School and College campus in Uttara, the capital, and the loss of lives.

The countries expressed their condolences in messages of condolence on social media platforms X and Facebook on Monday evening.

In a message on X, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “I am deeply shocked and saddened by the loss of lives in a tragic plane crash in Dhaka, where many of the deceased were young students. Our hearts go out to the families. We wish the injured a speedy recovery. India expresses solidarity with Bangladesh and is ready to provide all possible assistance and cooperation.”

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said, “I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life in the plane crash at Milestone School in Dhaka.” He also said, “My heartfelt condolences to the people of Bangladesh, especially the families of the victims. Many of the victims were children. Pakistan stands with the government and people of Bangladesh in this difficult time.”

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has said in a condolence message, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of precious lives in the crash of an Air Force fighter jet on an educational institution in Dhaka. I express my sincere condolences to the families of the deceased and wish the injured a speedy recovery. My deepest condolences to the government, leadership and people of Bangladesh at this difficult time.”

The European Union (EU) has also expressed deep sorrow over the incident. The EU Delegation to Bangladesh has expressed its condolences in a message.

A message on Facebook said, “The EU Delegation in Bangladesh is deeply saddened by the crash of a Bangladesh Air Force F-7 training aircraft at Milestone School and College in Uttara. Our hearts go out to the victims, their families and all those affected.”

Naoki Takahashi, Charge d’Affaires ad interim at the Embassy of Japan in Dhaka, said on Facebook, “We stand by Bangladesh in this difficult time. At the same time, we sincerely appreciate the responsible and caring steps taken by the authorities, hospitals and all concerned in dealing with the situation following this accident. We wish the injured a speedy recovery.”

Wishing the injured a speedy recovery, he said, “On behalf of the Embassy of Japan, I express my deepest condolences and sincere sympathy to those who lost their lives in the tragic crash of a Bangladesh Air Force aircraft at Milestone School and College in Uttara. Our condolences go out to the bereaved families, friends and all those injured.”

He also mentioned that the organization recently organized the ‘First Peace Flower Essay Competition’ in collaboration with JICA.

The Swiss Embassy in Dhaka said on Facebook, “We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident of a training plane crashing into a school building in Dhaka. Our condolences go out to the victims, their families and all those affected.”

Meanwhile, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that to avoid major damage, the flight lieutenant of the plane, Md. Tauqir Islam, made every effort to take the plane from a densely populated area to a sparsely populated area. Unfortunately, the plane crashed in an unexpected accident into a building of Milestone School and College in Diabari, Dhaka. 19 people, including the pilot, were killed and 164 were injured in this sudden accident. As of last news, 22 people have died.

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