Claims of Concealing Casualties are Propaganda, Says Press Wing

The government's press wing has strongly refuted claims circulating from various sources that information regarding casualties from the tragic plane crash at Milestone School and College in Uttara is being concealed.

"We want to state very firmly that this claim is not true," a post on the Chief Advisor's verified Facebook page stated on Tuesday morning (July 22).

The post highlighted that the government is providing all necessary assistance to every victim, both deceased and injured. The names and identities of each of the deceased are being verified and listed.

For bodies that cannot be immediately identified, DNA testing is being conducted. Additionally, maximum efforts are being made to ensure proper medical treatment for the injured at several Dhaka hospitals. "We note with concern that propaganda is being spread from various quarters claiming that casualty information is being hidden. We want to state very firmly that this claim is not true," the post reiterated.

The statement further mentioned that the Bangladesh government, army administration, school authorities, and hospital authorities are working collaboratively to release a complete and accurate list of those injured and killed in this tragic incident. The public is urged to contact the school authorities immediately if anyone they know is missing as a control room is being established there. Furthermore, school registries and other documents are being checked to ascertain if anyone is still unaccounted for.

So far, 27 people have died in the training jet crash. Of the deceased, 25 are children, confirmed Professor Dr. Md. Sayedur Rahman, Special Assistant to the Chief Advisor for Health Affairs.

Speaking at the National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute on Tuesday morning (July 22), Dr. Sayedur Rahman added that the fatalities also include one pilot and one teacher. A total of 78 injured individuals have been admitted to various hospitals, with five of them in critical condition.

Dr. Sayedur Rahman also noted that two patients admitted to the Burn Institute are on ventilation. He assured that all preparations have been made for the treatment of the injured.