A pall of gloom has descended over the family of the pilot of the crashed plane, Flight Lieutenant Toukir Islam.

Neighbours and relatives have gathered in front of his family’s rented residence named “Asroy” in Rajshahi city’s Uposhohor area.

Many were seen in tears, while others stood silently, stunned by the tragedy.

However, Toukir’s family was flown to Dhaka from Rajshahi in a special military aircraft around 5:30 pm, arranged by the Air Force.

Toukir’s parents Tohurul Islam and Saleha Khatun along with his younger sister, Sristy Khatun, live in a rented flat on the third floor of the building.

Locals describe the family as friendly and well-known in the community.

Toukir was the eldest son and regarded as polite and intelligent, according to the neighbour.

The family has been living in Rajshahi for nearly 25 years.

His younger sister, Sristy, is a third-year MBBS student at Islami Bank Medical College in Rajshahi.

Toukir’s maternal uncle Rafiqul Islam, who was present at the residence on Monday afternoon, said the family – including Toukir’s parents, sister Sristy, elder sister Brishti Khatun, her husband Dr Tuhin Islam and another Uncle Mohammad Ali – were taken by RAB in a vehicle to Hazrat Shah Makhdum (R) Airport in Rajshahi around 5 pm.

From there, they were flown to Dhaka in a special aircraft of the Bangladesh Air Force.

Toukir’s wife, a lecturer at BRAC University, lives in a government quarter in Dhaka. The couple married about a year ago

“Toukir was an exceptional young man. I have never met anyone so hardworking, respectful and talented,” said his uncle Rafiqul, wiping away tears.

Relatives of the family said Tohurul Islam, hailing from Chapainawabganj district, used to live in Rajshahi for the past two and a half decades.

Toukir studied up to sixth grade at Rajshahi New Government Laboratory School before joining Pabna Cadet College in seventh grade, as part of the 34th batch.

He completed his Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) in 2016 and then joined the Bangladesh Air Force.

Upon hearing the news of Toukir’s death, his former instructor at Pabna Cadet College, Moshtaque Ahmed, visited the family’s home.

“Toukir was extremely bright, well-mannered and gentle. He respected his elders and cared deeply for younger ones. I have many fond memories of him,” he said.

Last year, Squadron Leader Toukir Islam Sagar had begun constructing a three-story home on his own land in Rajshahi’s Sapura area. The construction remains incomplete — and he will never live in the home he dreamed of.