Bangladesh reports 154 arson attacks in 17 days of political unrest

As many as 154 incidents of arson attacks have occurred across Bangladesh in the 17 days of strikes and blockades called by the BNP and its ally Jamaat-e-Islami as part of their anti-government movement. At least 135 of the incidents were of torching vehicles, reports bdnews.com.

After analysing the data collected from across the entire country, the Fire Service and Civil Defence said that 25 of the 64 districts had experienced arson attacks where different structures and vehicles were set ablaze. No such incidents were reported in the remaining 39 districts.

The highest number of arson attacks took place in Dhaka and none were reported in the Sylhet Division, the fire service said in a statement on Tuesday. Gazipur reported the second highest cases of arson attacks, with most of them taking place at night.

In some places, Awami League and BNP offices, ward councillors' offices, electricity offices and bus ticket counters were set ablaze. The arsonists set fire to buses, trucks, private cars, microbuses, covered vans, ambulances, autorickshaws, and even a fire service water tanker.