3-day BNP blockade: 34 arson attacks reported across Bangladesh

At least 34 incidents of arson have been reported across Bangladesh during the three days of blockade ending on Thursday evening.

The BNP and its allies and the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami enforced the road, rail and waterway blockade from 6am on Tuesday to demand the resignation of Prime MInister Sheikh Hasin and hand over power to a caretaker government to oversee next elections. 

They also protested against the police action on a massive rally by the BNP on Saturday and the subsequent arrests of the BNP leaders and activists across the country.  

A dozen cases of arson were reported in Dhaka city, seven in Dhaka division (Gazipur, Savar, Narayanganj), eight in Chittagong division (Sitakunda, Karnaphuli, Rangunia, Feni, Chandpur, Bayezid), four in Rajshahi division (Bogra, Raiganj) and one each in Rangpur, Barisal and Mymensingh divisions respectively.

Eighteen buses, four covered vans, five trucks, one private car, three motorcycles, two commercial goods showrooms and one police box were burned.

Analyzing data, it has been found that 19 out of the total 34 arson incidents happened between 6pm to 5am and the rest from 6am to 11am. The statistics show that most arson incidents happened at night.   

On the other hand, at least eight incidents of arson were reported across the country from 12: 00am on November 1 to 6:00 pm on November 2 on the final day of the blockade, according to the media cell of the Fire Service and Civil Defence headquarters.

Among the arson attacks, four occurred in Dhaka city, one each in Dhaka and Mymensingh divisions, two in Chattogram, said Station Officer (media cell) Tanha Bin Zasim of the Fire Service and Civil Defence headquarters.

Five buses, one private car and one truck were burned across the country.

A total of 82 incidents of arson were reported from October 28 to November 2 across the country.