Ex-banned BCL leader arrested over attack on July memorial

A former leader of the banned Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) has been detained after unidentified individuals allegedly poured petrol  and set fire to the July Memorial at Khagrachhari Government College on Friday night. 

Authorities said the blaze was quickly brought under control, preventing significant damage to the monument.

The incident occurred at around 9PM on the college campus in Khagrachhari. A 43-second video circulating on social media shows several individuals pouring petrol on the memorial before setting it alight.

Witnesses said the perpetrators fled immediately, while local residents rushed to extinguish the flames.

Officer-in-Charge of Khagrachhari Sadar Police Station, Md Kai Kislu, confirmed that the memorial had been deliberately set on fire using petrol. He said police later detained Md. Rony, a former vice-president of the district unit of the banned Chhatra League, on allegations of involvement in the incident.

Police said efforts are underway to identify and arrest others who may have been involved. A case is being prepared in connection with the incident.

Khagrachhari Deputy Commissioner Md. Anwar Sadat said the apparent act of sabotage had failed as the fire was brought under control before causing major damag.

He added that security has been tightened in that area following the incident.