Arson attempted at polling centre in Patuakhali

An attempt to set fire to a polling centre in Dumki upazila of Patuakhali was foiled on Tuesday night ahead of the national election.

The incident took place around 9:30pm at Pangashia Nesaria Government Primary School, a designated polling centre in Ward No. 4 of Pangashia Union.

Witnesses said miscreants set a tyre on fire and threw it inside the centre before fleeing the scene. Two teenagers, returning home after Isha prayers, spotted the flames inside a room and raised the alarm. Locals rushed in and managed to extinguish the fire, preventing major damage.

Sources said two village police members and a night guard were assigned to the centre, but they were reportedly away for dinner at the time of the incident.

Although four CCTV cameras were operational, footage did not clearly identify the perpetrators.

Police, Ansar, BGB and army personnel, along with senior administrative officials, visited the site. Authorities said the situation is now under control.

Mohammad Selim Uddin, officer-in-charge (OC) of Dumki Olice Station, confirmed the arson attempt, adding that efforts are underway to identify and arrest those involved.