Raqib Zaman :
Children are considered the future of a nation. Today’s children will become tomorrow’s leaders, policymakers, and decision-makers who will shape the nation’s future. As they grow, they will contribute to the nation’s economy through their work, innovation, and entrepreneurship. They play a vital role in preserving and passing on the nation’s heritage, traditions, and values.
The way children are nurtured and educated today will determine the kind of legacy they inherit and the kind of future they will build for themselves and the nation. Their potential, if nurtured and developed, can significantly contribute to the nation’s overall development and progress.
Investing in children’s well-being, education, and development is an investment in the nation’s future. Therefore, we must all act to protect children’s safety in the country.
Regrettably, it is quite unfortunate to mention that lots of school children died at an educational institution named Milestone School and College located in Dhaka Uttara’s Diabari area in a tragic Bangladesh Air Force plane crash on its campus recently.
According to media reports on July 26, at least 33 people including children have lost their lives and many others sustained burn injuries.
Most parents in the country believe that their children face more dangers today than they did in their own childhood. This sentiment is most pronounced, with cent percent of parents of the country holding this belief.
This is a direct result of the Milestone tragedy that evokes feelings of helplessness and a loss of control, especially among the parents. Everyone from government to parents and educators must act now to ensure the safety of children, wherever they are in the country.
First of all, to prevent future tragedies like the Milestone one, several measures are crucial, according to relevant experts. These include: relocating flight training routes away from densely populated areas. The immediate area around Milestone School and College, and similar schools in Dhaka, should be designated as a no-fly zone for military training aircraft.
Training routes should be shifted to less populated areas, such as rural regions or designated training ranges, to minimise the risk to civilians.
Regular and thorough maintenance of all aircraft, particularly those used for training, is essential. This includes strict adherence to maintenance of schedules and using modern, reliable aircraft. Implementing stricter safety protocols for training flights, including increased monitoring and potentially limiting training flights during peak school hours are needed.
Strengthen Emergency Response Plans: Each school, especially those in proximity to flight paths, should develop and regularly practice comprehensive emergency response plans. This should include evacuation procedures, first-aid protocols, and communication systems.
These plans should specifically address the unique challenges of a plane crash, such as immediate medical needs and potential fire hazards. Emergency response drills should be conducted regularly to ensure staff and students are prepared.
Provide Mental Health Support: Trauma from such a devastating event can have lasting effects on students and staff. Professional psychological support should be made available to help them cope with the aftermath of the crash.
School counselors and mental health professionals should be trained to address the specific needs of those affected by the tragedy.
Accountability and Transparency: An independent investigation should be conducted to determine the exact cause of the crash and to hold those responsible accountable.
The government should provide clear and transparent information about the incident, including the number of casualties and injuries, and the steps being taken to prevent future incidents.
Families of the victims deserve compensation and a public apology from the relevant authorities.
By implementing these measures, Dhaka can work towards preventing similar tragedies and ensuring the safety of its citizens, especially children, in the event of a future aircraft emergency.
I extend my deepest condolences to the families affected and the entire Milestone School and College community. My heart goes out to the families, classmates, and loved ones affected by this heartbreaking incident. No child’s life should be cut short, and no parent should bear such a loss. The loss of children’s lives is unacceptable. I urge the government and all relevant stakeholders to prioritise the establishment of systems and infrastructure that prevent such tragedies.
I pray to the Almighty for no more Milestone-like tragedy in the future.
(The writer is a 6th semester student at North South University. He can be reached Email: [email protected])
