Milestone tragedy: DNA tests confirm identities of Raisa Moni, 4 others

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has successfully identified five individuals, among them students and staff, who lost their lives in the tragic fighter jet crash at Milestone School and College in Dhaka’s Uttara on July 21. 

The identification was made through DNA analysis of mutilated remains recovered after the incident.

CID Special Superintendent of Police Jasim Uddin Khan confirmed the development during a press briefing on Thursday afternoon, July 24.

Out of 11 DNA samples collected from unidentified bodies and body parts kept at Dhaka Combined Military Hospital (CMH), the identities of five victims have been conclusively established by matching genetic profiles with family members of the missing.

The identified victims are: Wakia Ferdous Nidhi, daughter of Md Faruk Hossain and Salma Akhter; Lamia Akhter Sonia,  daughter of Md Babul and Majeda, Afsana Akhter Priya, daughter of Md Abbas Uddin and Minu Akhter; Raisa Moni, daughter of Md Shahabul Sheikh and Mim; and Mariam Umme Afia, daughter of Abdul Qadir and Umm Tamima Akhtar.

On July 22, one day after the crash, a CID forensic team from the DNA laboratory collected 11 biological samples from the remains at CMH. These samples underwent rigorous analysis to generate DNA profiles.

From July 22 to 23, 11 family members across five families submitted their DNA for comparison. The matches were confirmed with a high degree of scientific certainty.

One sample matched Wakia Ferdous Nidhi, six samples (indicating severe fragmentation) matched Lamia Akhter Sonia, two samples matched Afsana Akhter Priya, and ane sample each confirmed the identities of Raisa Moni and Mariam Umme Afia.

“This process was both sensitive and scientifically demanding,” said SP Jasim Uddin Khan. “We are working around the clock to identify the remaining victims with the same level of accuracy and compassion.”

For families who had spent days in anguish – searching hospitals, waiting at morgues, clinging to hope –the DNA confirmation brings painful closure.

The identification of Raisa Moni, in particular, ends a harrowing search by her family, who had scoured multiple hospitals and appealed publicly for information.

The CID has assured that the identification process for the remaining victims is ongoing. Additional samples are being analysed, and more families are being contacted for DNA matching.

Authorities have urged families of the missing to come forward and provide DNA samples at designated centres to expedite identification. They also appealed for patience, emphasising that the process, while slow, is being conducted with the highest standards of forensic integrity.