BNP office set on fire in Narayanganj’s Rupganj

A local office of the BNP in Rupganj upazila of Narayanganj was allegedly set on fire early today, police said.

The incident occurred around 3:45am at Shimulia Bazar area, said Rupganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge Shabzel Hossain.

The OC said miscreants broke a window and poured "petrol or similar substance" inside before setting the office ablaze. Police have identified two individuals as suspects and are continuing the investigation.

Mansur Mia, president of Rupganj union Jubo Dal, said construction of the office began about a month ago and was completed a week earlier. Party leaders and activists were present there until midnight on Friday, he added, noting that the fire broke out in the early hours.

The blaze was later extinguished with the help of locals, but furniture and other items inside the office were damaged, he said.

"We suspect it was a petrol bomb. Otherwise, the fire would not have spread so quickly," Mansur added.

Upazila BNP General Secretary Bashir Uddin Bacchu expressed suspicion that members of rival political groups might have been involved in the incident.

OC Shabzel Hossain said local BNP leaders are preparing to file a written complaint. "Necessary legal action will be taken following investigation once a complaint is lodged," he added.