The death toll from the tragic crash of a Bangladesh Air Force training aircraft at Milestone School and College at Uttara in Dhaka has risen to 31, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Monday evening.

The ISPR also provided updated figures on the number of injured individuals receiving treatment at various hospitals across Dhaka.

The incident occurred when an FT-7 BGI fighter jet, part of a routine training mission, encountered a mechanical failure shortly after taking off from the AK Khandaker Air Base in Kurmitola at 1:06pm.

Flight Lieutenant Md Tawkir Islam, the pilot, attempted to steer the aircraft away from densely populated areas to minimise civilian casualties.

Despite his efforts, the jet tragically crashed into a two-storey building within the Milestone School and College campus in Diabari, Uttara.

In total, 171 individuals have been reported injured and are being treated at eight hospitals in the capital. The breakdown is as follows: eight injured at Kuwait Maitree Hospital, 70 injured and two dead at the National Burn Institute, three injured and one dead at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, 17 injured and 12 dead at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH), one injured and two dead at Kurmitola General Hospital, 11 injured and two dead at Lubna General Hospital and Cardiac Centre in Uttara, 60 injured and one dead at Uttara Adhunik Hospital, and one injured at Uttara Crescent Hospital.

The ISPR noted that Flight Lieutenant Tawkir Islam was among the deceased.

A high-level investigation committee has been formed by the Bangladesh Air Force to determine the exact cause of the crash.

In light of the tragic incident, the government has declared Tuesday a day of national mourning. Flags will be flown at half-mast in all government, semi-government, autonomous institutions, educational establishments, and Bangladeshi missions abroad.

Special prayers for the victims will also be held at all places of worship across the country.