A seven-year-old child was killed, and three others were seriously injured after miscreants allegedly set fire to the home of a local Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader in Lakshmipur’s Sadar Upazila early on Saturday (Dec 20, 2025) amid mounting violence and unrest in the country. Police and fire service officials confirmed the brutal incident, which has drawn sharp condemnation and raised concerns over political violence in Bangladesh.
How the Attack Happened
According to police, attackers locked the doors of the tin-shed house from the outside, poured petrol around the structure and set it on fire while the family was asleep inside in Sutargupta village, Bhabaniganj Union.
The flames spread rapidly, leaving the youngest daughter, Ayesha Akter Sanju (7), burnt to death inside the house. Her father Belal Hossain, a local BNP leader and pesticide trader, and her two older sisters — Salma Akter Smriti (17) and Samia Akter Bithi (14) managed to escape but suffered serious burn injuries. All three were rushed first to Lakshmipur Sadar Hospital, with the daughters later transferred to the burn unit of Dhaka Medical College Hospital due to the severity of their injuries.
Response From Emergency Services
Local firefighters rushed to the scene soon after neighbours alerted them, managing to bring the blaze under control. Police personnel also arrived shortly thereafter and launched an investigation into the circumstances of the arson attack and the possible motive behind the incident.
Political Context
The attack comes amid rising political violence and unrest in Bangladesh, where tensions have escalated following the death of a prominent youth leader and widespread protests across the country. Multiple incidents including attacks on media houses and public buildings — have been reported in recent days, highlighting a deteriorating law and order situation as political factions clash.