Bangladesh witnessed another shocking incident of violence amid ongoing political unrest. A seven-year-old girl was burnt to death after a house belonging to a Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader was allegedly locked and set on fire in Lakshmipur district. The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday and has intensified concerns over civilian safety during protests.
According to police, the fire broke out around 1:00 am at the residence of Belal Hossain in West Char Mansa village. Hossain is a businessman and assistant organising secretary of the BNP’s Bhabaniganj Union unit. Bangladeshi media outlet The Daily Star first reported the incident.
The attack claimed the life of Ayesha Akter, aged seven. Meanwhile, three other family members suffered critical burn injuries. The incident unfolded amid a wave of protests linked to escalating political tensions across Bangladesh.
House Allegedly Locked Before Being Set Ablaze
Police officials said unidentified attackers allegedly locked the house from outside before setting it on fire. The house was a tin-shed structure, which allowed the flames to spread rapidly. As a result, occupants struggled to escape.
Belal Hossain sustained severe burn injuries during the incident. He is currently undergoing treatment at Lakshmipur Sadar Hospital. His two daughters, Salma Akter, 16, and Samia Akter, 14, suffered burns covering nearly 50 to 60 percent of their bodies. Doctors later shifted them to Dhaka for advanced treatment.
Meanwhile, Belal’s wife, Nazma, managed to escape with their four-month-old infant, Abir Hossain. Their six-year-old son, Habib, also survived. However, the family could not save Ayesha, who succumbed to the flames.
Eyewitness Account Raises Serious Security Questions
Belal’s mother, Hazira Begum, recounted the horrifying events to The Daily Star. She said she went to sleep after dinner. However, she woke up around 1:00 am after noticing flames outside.
She claimed that she rushed toward her son’s house after seeing it burning. However, she found both entrances locked from outside. She screamed for help but failed to enter the house.
“I woke up and saw through the window that my son’s house was on fire,” Hazira Begum said. She added that her son eventually broke the door to escape. According to her, miscreants poured petrol before igniting the fire. However, she could not identify the attackers.
This account has raised serious questions about security lapses during the ongoing Bangladesh unrest. Moreover, residents fear similar attacks in politically sensitive areas.
Victims’ Condition Remains Critical
Doctors at Lakshmipur Sadar Hospital confirmed that Belal Hossain remains under close observation. His condition is serious but stable. However, his injured daughters required urgent transfer due to the severity of their burns.
Medical officials referred Salma and Samia to the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in Dhaka. Hospital sources described their condition as critical. Meanwhile, authorities confirmed that Ayesha died at the scene due to extensive burn injuries.
Local police said they have launched an investigation into the incident. Officers are collecting forensic evidence and questioning nearby residents. However, no arrests have been reported so far.
Political Violence Fuels Fears Amid Bangladesh Protests
The arson attack has intensified concerns about rising political violence during the ongoing unrest. Several districts across Bangladesh have reported clashes, vandalism, and targeted attacks. Civilians increasingly find themselves caught between rival political forces.
Opposition leaders have demanded swift justice and stronger protection for families. Meanwhile, rights groups have urged authorities to ensure accountability. They warned that failure to act could worsen instability.
Security officials said they are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby areas. They also promised increased patrols in vulnerable villages. However, residents remain fearful as tensions continue.
As Bangladesh unrest persists, this tragedy highlights the human cost of political violence. The death of a child has sparked nationwide outrage and renewed calls for restraint.