The country is observing the ‘National Mourning Day’ today (Tuesday) over the tragic crash of a Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) fighter aircraft in Diabari area of Dhaka on Monday, leaving several casualties.

To mark the mourning, the national flag is being kept at half-mast at all government, semi-government, and autonomous offices, as well as at all educational institutions across the country on Tuesday

Earlier on Monday, the government declared the mourning day, said a press release issued by the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing.

The national flag is being flown at half-mast at all government and private buildings and at Bangladesh missions abroad in observance of the state mourning.

Besides, special prayers are supposed to be offered at religious institutions and places of worship across the country for the departed souls and for the quick recovery of the injured.

Earlier in the day, a BAF F-7 BGI fighter aircraft crashed on the Milestone School and College campus around 1:18pm.

A fire broke out after the crash, and rescue operations were carried out by several units of the Fire Service and Civil Defence.

Milestone tragedy: Death toll rises to 27, 78 injured receiving treatment

Meanwhile, the government announced that an investigation will be carried out to determine the cause of the crash and assured that all necessary support will be extended to the victims and their families.

At a briefing at 8am on Tuesday at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Dr Sayedur Rahman said the death toll from the jet crash has risen to 27, with 78 others still receiving treatment at various hospitals.

He said 20 bodies have so far been handed over to families.