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Bangladesh mourns 27 dead in school jet crash tragedy

Bangladesh mourns 27 dead in school jet crash tragedy

The Sun4 days ago
DHAKA: Families and teachers gathered in grief at a Bangladeshi school where a fighter jet crashed, killing 25 children and two others in the country's deadliest aviation disaster in years. The Chinese-made F-7 BJI aircraft struck Milestone School and College on Monday, just as pupils were leaving class.
'So far, 27 people have died. Among them, 25 are children and one is a pilot,' said Sayedur Rahman from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The earlier toll of 20 was revised as more victims were identified. 'Seventy-eight people are being treated in different hospitals,' Rahman added.
The military confirmed over 170 injuries and is investigating the cause. The school, usually filled with noise, stood silent on Tuesday with classes suspended. 'Along with the children, the school has lost its life,' said teacher Shahadat Hossain, whose son narrowly escaped.
'There are two swings in front of the affected building. During lunch breaks and after school, children play there. Even yesterday, around the time the plane crashed, students were on those swings,' Hossain told AFP.
Among the 7,000 enrolled students was Abul Bashar's sixth-grade son, who lost his best friend. 'He came out just two or three minutes before the accident occurred,' Bashar said. 'He couldn't sleep through the night and forced me to bring him to school this morning.'
Authorities collected scattered belongings—bags, shoes, and ID cards—from the site. Senior police officer Pahn Chakma said armed forces were still securing the area before evidence collection begins. Air Force personnel removed jet wreckage overnight but continue searching for clues.
School staff held prayers on campus Monday night as the nation reeled. Interim leader Muhammad Yunus declared a day of mourning, calling the loss 'irreparable.' The military stated the pilot, flight lieutenant Towkir Islam, faced mechanical failure during training and attempted to steer clear of populated areas before crashing. - AFP
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‘We were born into the peatlands': Inside Indonesia's grassroots battle for the swamps
‘We were born into the peatlands': Inside Indonesia's grassroots battle for the swamps

Malay Mail

time2 hours ago

  • Malay Mail

‘We were born into the peatlands': Inside Indonesia's grassroots battle for the swamps

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Interview: China leading in wetland preservation, says Wetlands International CEO
Interview: China leading in wetland preservation, says Wetlands International CEO

The Star

time8 hours ago

  • The Star

Interview: China leading in wetland preservation, says Wetlands International CEO

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China tenant finds school desk he used 33 years ago in new flat
China tenant finds school desk he used 33 years ago in new flat

The Star

time13 hours ago

  • The Star

China tenant finds school desk he used 33 years ago in new flat

SHANGHAI (SCMP): A man in eastern China who rented a flat and discovered an old desk he used at school 33 years ago has trended on mainland social media. The man, surnamed Shen, rented the flat near Huaiyin High School in Huaian, Jiangsu province in early July, the Jiangnan Metropolis News reported. His family is set to move there so that it will be convenient for his son to attend school. When Shen and his wife were cleaning the house, they found a small and shabby school desk, one side of which carried the Chinese characters 'Qing' and 'Zhong' and the serial number 246. That mark led Shen to believe that the desk was the one he used at Qingjiang Middle School in 1992. 'Qing Zhong' is the abbreviation for Qingjiang Middle School. 'I remember the number 246 very clearly because the desk used by a good friend of mine was marked with the number 135,' Shen was quoted as saying. 'I was so thrilled to see this desk. At that moment, many happy hours during my middle school life instantly appeared in my mind. What a coincidence!' he said. According to Shen's landlord, Qingjiang Middle School was renovated years ago and its old desks were put up for sale. The landlord bought this desk because most of his tenants are families with children who need to study. 'My alma mater used to be a top institution. It is a pity that it has declined and is not as glorious as before,' said Shen, adding: 'I hope my old school can become better and better.' He said he hoped the landlord could give him the desk as a souvenir when the lease period ends. The story struck a chord with millions of people in China, attracting 15 million views on one major platform alone. 'It is full of memories. No wonder the man feels so excited,' said one internet user. 'I also used this type of school desk. My school is also on the downturn. Many of my teachers have died. This made me feel emotional!' said another person. While another online observer joked: 'Life is so magical. If the desk could speak it might be saying, 'Kid, you have grown up and you have your own kid'.' - South China Morning Post

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