7-year-old killed in arson at BNP leader’s home in Lakshmipur

A seven-year-old girl was killed and three others injured after unknown assailants set fire to a house in Lakshmipur Sadar early Saturday (December 20).

The house belongs to BNP leader Belal Hossain.

The victims include Belal’s daughters Beethi Akter, 17, and Smriti Akter, 14, who were critically injured and sent to the National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute, while Belal Hossain is receiving treatment at Lakshmipur Sadar Hospital.

The incident occurred around 2:00am in Sutaragopta area of Bhabaniganj Union, when attackers reportedly locked the house from outside, poured petrol, and set it ablaze.

Firefighters recovered the child’s body and rushed the injured to the hospital.

District BNP joint convener Hasibur Rahman called the attack a “planned arson” and demanded swift arrest of those responsible.

Md. Wahid Parvez, officer-in-charge (OC) of Lakshmipur Sadar Model Police Station, said, "An investigation is underway to determine the causes and whether the fire was deliberate."