A solemn funeral parade with full military honours was held on Tuesday for Flight Lieutenant Md Towkir Islam of Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) at BAF Base Bir Uttam AK Khandakar, following his tragic death in a fighter jet crash at Milestone School and College in Uttara.
The 27-year-old pilot lost his life on Monday when a BAF FT-7 BGI fighter jet, which had taken off as part of a routine training exercise, crashed into the school campus in Diabari.
According to an official release from Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), the aircraft suffered a technical malfunction mid-air. In a final act of courage, Flt Lt Towkir Islam steered the aircraft away from densely populated areas in a desperate attempt to prevent civilian casualties.
Despite his efforts, the jet went down within the school premises, injuring several students and staff. Emergency services, including BAF helicopters and ambulances, rushed the injured to Combined Military Hospital (CMH) and other nearby facilities.
Towkir was pronounced dead after extensive medical efforts failed to save his life.
A first namaz-e-janaza and guard of honour were held on Tuesday morning at the parade ground of BAF Base Bir Uttam AK Khandakar. Among the attendees were Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Choudhury, Adviser to Ministry of Home Affairs, senior officers from the armed forces and grieving family members.
Floral tributes were laid on behalf of the Chiefs of Army, Navy, and Air Force, with Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Operations) placing the wreath on their behalf.
Later, Towkir was laid to rest with full state honours in his hometown of Rajshahi.
Chief Adviser of the Interim Government Dr. Muhammad Yunus expressed deep grief over the untimely loss, offering condolences to the bereaved family and praying for the departed soul.
Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan also conveyed his profound sorrow and remembered Towkir as a brave and selfless officer.
Born on November 9, 1997, at Sapura village of Boalia upazila in Rajshahi, Towkir was known for his academic brilliance and leadership from a young age.
He completed his SSC in 2014 and HSC in 2016 from Pabna Cadet College, followed by a BSc in Aeronautics from Bangladesh University of Professionals in 2020.
He joined Bangladesh Air Force on December 22, 2016, and was commissioned into the General Duties (Pilot) branch on December 1, 2019. Over his five-and-a-half-year career, he served in key operational squadrons—Squadron 15 and Squadron 35—as both pilot and adjutant.
Towkir completed numerous advanced courses both at home and abroad, including fighter conversion training, air intelligence, aerospace physiology, electronic warfare, and operational training in aerospace medicine in India.
Flight Lieutenant Towkir Islam is remembered not only as a skilled officer but also as a patriot who gave his life in the line of duty to protect civilians. His legacy of courage and dedication will continue to inspire generations of Air Force personnel.
SH
