The Ministry of Health has called on the families of missing individuals—whose names are not listed among the injured or deceased in the tragic jet crash at Uttara’s Milestone School and College—to provide DNA samples to assist in identification efforts
In a statement, Dr. Md. Sayedur Rahman, Special Assistant to the Chief Advisor in charge of the Ministry, made the appeal, noting that so far, only one family has come forward with a DNA sample.
“If we can collect DNA samples from the families of all missing persons, it will be possible to confirm identities through DNA matching in the shortest possible time. Everyone’s cooperation is urgently needed,” he said.
According to a ministry press release, six unidentified bodies are currently at the CMH morgue. Under the supervision of health ministry specialists, DNA samples have already been collected from these remains for profiling. The samples will be analyzed promptly at the CID laboratory to expedite identification.
At least 32 people, mostly children have died following Monday’s devastating jet crash at Milestone School and College in Uttara.
The Ministry of Health confirmed the death of a child at around 12:15am on Wednesday. In a statement issued at 1:45am, it said nine-year-old, Arian Ashraf Nafi who had suffered 95 per cent burns, died while being treated in the ICU at the Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Inter Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) reported that 31 people had been killed in the disaster, with 165 others injured and receiving treatment across several hospitals.
ISPR also noted that the bodies of at least seven victims had been charred beyond recognition. DNA samples have been collected for identification.
So far, the bodies of 20 victims have been handed over to their families, said Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, Sayedur Rahman.
The tragedy unfolded at midday on Monday when a Bangladesh Air Force F-T-7 BGI training jet crashed into the school building, causing a massive fire and widespread devastation among young students. The government observed a day of national mourning on Tuesday in memory of the victims.