BD records 303 arson attacks in 71 days

A total of 303 arson attacks have taken place in Bangladesh in the past 71 days until Saturday, claiming eight lives and injuring five, including two firemen.
The wilful fire incidents, perpetrated by miscreants, damaged 302 vehicles and 23 structures.
The Department of Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD) disclosed the figures in a media statement as it analysed data of fire incidents since 28 October 2023.
Of the incidents, according to the fire brigade, 137 took place in Dhaka city and the remaining 166 in other parts of the country.
The FSCD received information of the incidents between 28 October 2023, which marked a mega rally hold by main opposition party BNP, and 06 January 2024.
A total of 539 units of the fire service manned by 2,959 rescuers took part in the drives to douse the flames.
The FSCD analysis revealed that the burnt-out vehicles included 176 buses, 49 trucks, 25 covered vans, 21 motorcycles, 10 pickups and five trains.
Nine educational institutions, five BNP offices and one Awami League office were attacked during the period in question.
Statistics showed 137 fire incidents occurred in Dhaka city, 57 in Dhaka division, 35 in Chattogram, 38 in Rajshahi, nine in Barishal, 10 in Rangpur, five in Khulna, six in Mymensingh and six in Sylhet.
Mirpur witnessed the highest number of fire incidents as 19 incidents took place there, revealed the area-wise review.
Besides, 14 occurred in Gulistan, eight in Nayapaltan-Kakrail, 14 in Khilgaon-Mughda, 14 in Postagola-Jatrabari and six in Motijheel-Arambagh areas.
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