BNP temporary office set on fire in Teknaf

A fire has been set at a temporary office of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Teknaf municipality, Cox's Bazar, destroying furniture and important documents.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, April 5, in the Jaliapara Burmese market area of ward 7 in the municipality.

Local and party sources claim the fire was a planned arson. BNP leaders and activists suspect a syndicate may be involved.

Teknaf municipality BNP president Abdur Razzak said criminals had been issuing threats in the area for some time. "We believe they are behind this arson. We demand an investigation and swift action," he said.

Teknaf upazila BNP general secretary Shadawat Hossain condemned the incident and said those involved would be identified and brought under the law with the assistance of law enforcement agencies.

Teknaf Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Saiful Islam said police have visited the spot and are investigating the matter. "A drive is underway to identify those involved, and additional police have been deployed in the area to prevent any untoward situation," he added.