A spate of fires targeting properties of Hindu community members in Mirsarai upazila of Chattogram has stirred fear among locals.
Reports from residents and police indicate that several houses were set ablaze in the Dhar Para area of Jafrabad village under Wahedpur union. Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries from these incidents.
Mirsarai police have confirmed two fire outbreaks and are actively investigating the situation. However, locals and victims claim that between January 23 and January 29, six to seven incidents occurred between 6:00 am and 7:00 pm.
Witnesses revealed that most of the fires were deliberately ignited near houses, targeting haystacks, stored dry leaves, and firewood.
The Officer-in-Charge of Mirsarai Model Police Station, Farida Yeasmin, stated, “We have visited the affected areas following reports of fires. The culprits behind these incidents remain unidentified. The most recent fire occurred on January 29 at Mridul’s residence. We have engaged with community leaders to offer our support to the Hindu community.”
One victim, Rahul Dhar, recounted, “On January 23, a fire was set to dry leaves near our family temple, damaging a solar battery and clothing. The following day, a fire erupted in the haystack at Amiya Dhar’s home.”
“On January 29, a fire was intentionally ignited on the bamboo fence at Mridul’s house, destroying clothes and hangers. Despite the absence of electricity in the area at that time, the fire was contained,” he added.
Additionally, incidents of fires near the residences of Kanu Nath and Anup Dhar have been reported by locals.
Rahul Dhar expressed, “These acts are not stemming from personal disputes but are deliberate, instilling fear within our community. To identify the perpetrators, we have installed CCTV cameras.”
Previously, a series of arson attacks were documented in Raozan and Rangunia, leading to the filing of three cases in connection with those events.
Following the apprehension of eight individuals, Deputy Inspector General of Chattogram Range Ahsan Habib Polash suggested that the arson attacks were orchestrated in a systematic manner against Hindu, Buddhist, and hill community households to tarnish Bangladesh’s image internationally before the national election.
