Bangladesh: Apostolic Nuncio and Catholic Bishops Call for Prayers for Victims of Air Force Jet Crash

In the wake of the tragic Air Force jet crash in Bangladesh, Archbishop Kevin S. Randall, the Apostolic Nuncio of the Holy See to Bangladesh, and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Bangladesh (CBCB) have called for prayers for the victims.

In a message addressed to Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser to the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Archbishop Randall wrote:

“On behalf of the Holy See and in my personal capacity, I wish to express my profound sorrow upon learning of the tragic plane crash that occurred yesterday, 21 July 2025, resulting in the loss of precious lives, the majority of whom werechildren, and injury to others.”

“In communion with the people of Bangladesh in these moments of national mourning, I convey to Your Excellency and through you, to the bereaved families and the entire nation heartfelt condolences and the assurance of my prayers and spiritual closeness.”

“May the Almighty grant eternal rest to the departed, especially the young lives so suddenly taken; healing to the injured; and strength and consolation to all who are affected by this painful tragedy. I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to Your Excellency my sentiments of highest consideration.”

On behalf of the Catholic community of Bangladesh, Bishop Ponen Paul Kubi, CSC, Secretary General of the CBCB, also issued a message expressing deep sorrow over the crash that occurred at Milestone School and College in Diabari, Dhaka.

“The Catholic community of Bangladesh stands united with the nation in mourning this devastating incident, whichclaimed the lives of students, teachers, parents, the pilot, and others, and left many seriously injured.”

Calling the loss “untimely, unexpected, and unimaginable,” Bishop Kubi said the deaths especially of children represent an unbearable tragedy for their families and loved ones. He extended heartfelt condolences and prayed for the full recovery of the injured.

He added, “We earnestly appeal to the government, authorities, and all kind-hearted individuals to provide every possible care and support to the injured and to the families of the victims, standing beside them in this time of great need.”

All churches, Catholic institutions, and faithful across Bangladesh have been urged to offer special prayers and observe mourning for the deceased, the injured, and their families.

“Above all,” the message stated, “the Catholic community prays and hopes that such tragic accidents never occur again. We urge that all necessary precautions, awareness efforts, and safety measures be taken to prevent future tragedies.”

Pope Leo also conveyed his deep condolences for the victims in a telegram sent through Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, as reported by Vatican News.

The message stated that the Pope “entrusts the deceased to the merciful love of the Almighty” and is “praying for comfort and strength” for the families and friends of the victims, as well as for the healing of the injured.

The Pope also offered his blessings of peace and strength for the school community and all those affected by the catastrophe.

According to a statement from Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the ill-fated F-7 BGI aircraft took off for a routine training flight at 1:06 PM on Monday but crashed shortly after takeoff, striking the school premises and causing chaos and widespread panic.

The crash at Milestone School and College in Uttara resulted in the deaths of at least 32 people most of them children and left 165 others injured.

As of yesterday, 68 individuals remain hospitalized, according to the Ministry of Health.