Milestone tragedy: ‘Why would we hide bodies of children?’

Brig Gen Nazim-ud-Daula, director of Military Operations Directorate (MOD) at the Army Headquarters, yesterday rejected allegations that army personnel beat up teachers or attempted to hide bodies of the victims during the rescue operation at Milestone School and College following the July 21 fighter jet crash.

"Some say we beat up teachers, or hid bodies. Why would we hide the bodies of innocent children? Their parents were there. Wouldn't they have asked where their children were?" he told reporters during a briefing at Dhaka Cantonment.

He said if anyone was pushed amid the chaos, it was never deliberate.

"We had to clear the way for ambulances. In doing so, some jostling may have happened, but our only objective was to save lives," he said.

Nazim pointed out that the crashed aircraft had created a deep hole in the school building and jet fuel had leaked into the area.

"There was already fuel at the spot where the nose of the plane had hit. If a spark had gone off, those involved in the rescue could have died. Thankfully, that didn't happen. But those who rushed there did so with full awareness of the risk," he said.

He said army personnel were the first to respond and begin rescue operations, as their camp was located just 150 to 200 yards away from the school.

"Our soldiers dropped everything and ran. You'll see in the footage how they carried children out, used cloth to cover them, and did everything they could," said the MOD director.

Nazim said, "We don't do this for the cameras. We don't seek credit. We simply do our duty. Today you see us speaking, but we won't always be here to explain. Please judge us by our actions."

At one point during the rescue, 29 army members were injured, and three are still undergoing treatment at the Combined Military Hospital.

Nazim also condemned those who filmed the tragedy instead of helping. "One child was dying, and instead of helping, people were making videos. The price of water went up to Tk 50 a bottle. Where is our humanity?"

He praised the courage of students -- particularly members of the BNCC, Scouts, and other volunteers -- who assisted with the rescue alongside the fire service.

Paying tribute to the deceased Air Force pilot, Nazim said, "From what I can understand, he tried till the last moment to steer the aircraft away from the main building. Had he ejected earlier, he might have survived, but he stayed in to minimise the damage."

He urged journalists to consider the broader context. "Please don't focus only on scuffles or rumours. Look at the sacrifice. We're not doing this to be seen. If someone took off their uniform, it was to use it as a cover for a child -- not for display."

"We continue working despite criticism. But a little appreciation goes a long way. It gives us strength. Just like you need encouragement, we do too," he said.