Burn Institute chief seeks national awareness day in memory of Milestone victims

The National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery (NIBPS) director today called for declaring July 21 as “Burn Awareness Day” to commemorate the Milestone School and College tragedy and help prevent burn injuries through nationwide awareness campaigns.

NIBPS Director Prof Mohammad Nasir Uddin made the call while speaking at a memorial programme on the occasion of the first anniversary of the Milestone School and College tragedy.

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A Bangladesh Air Force training aircraft crashed into the Haider Ali building at Milestone School and College’s Diabari campus on this day last year, killing 36 people, mostly children.

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Describing burn treatment as one of the most expensive forms of healthcare, Nasir Uddin also said prevention should be the country's top priority.

“Developed countries have significantly reduced burn injuries through public awareness. If the health ministry and the government declare this day as Burn Awareness Day, nationwide awareness campaigns could be organised every year,” he said.

The director added that reducing the number of burn incidents alongside providing treatment would significantly ease public suffering.

The programme was attended by Dr Zubaida Rahman, vice-president of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation and a cardiologist, as the chief guest.

Recalling the tragedy, Dr Zubaida said the memories remain painful but praised the resilience shown by the injured students, teachers and bereaved families.

“Their courage has shown that people should never lose hope, even in the face of the worst disasters," she said.

Dr Zubaida also commended the efforts of the Fire Service, doctors, volunteer organisations, the Ziaur Rahman Foundation, the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, and many individuals and institutions for standing beside the victims.

She expressed gratitude to friendly nations that extended support following the incident.

She said the selfless acts of those who risked their own lives to save others would be remembered for generations. Addressing the affected families, she assured them that the support they received after the tragedy would continue.

Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain spoke at the event as a special guest.

The event was also attended, among others, by Dr MA Muhit, state minister for health and family welfare; Md Kamruzzaman Chowdhury, secretary of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare; and Prof Dr Farhad Alim Donar, executive director of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation.