Former MP among 241 sued over fire at BNP office in Netrokona

A case has been filed against 241 leaders and activists of the Awami League and its affiliated organisations, including former lawmaker Sazzadul Hasan, over an alleged arson attack on a temporary BNP office and subsequent road blockade in Khaliajuri upazila of Netrokona.

Local BNP activist Muslim Mia filed the case under the Anti-Terrorism Act with Khaliajuri Police Station on Thursday.

The case names 121 individuals, including former MP Sazzadul Hasan, Khaliajuri upazila Awami League president Ajit Baran Sarkar and general secretary Md Sadequr Rahman. Another 120 unidentified people have also been accused.

According to the case statement, a temporary BNP office at Kalyanpur Bazar in Krishnapur union was set on fire on Sunday night. A banner bearing the photograph of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, placed outside the office, was reportedly burnt in the incident.

The complaint alleges that leaders and activists of the now-banned Awami League and its affiliated organisations set fire to the office and chanted anti-government slogans, creating panic in the area.

It further alleges that on Monday afternoon, several activists staged a procession in the Jagannathpur area of Mendipur union, set tyres on fire on a paved road and blocked traffic while chanting anti-government slogans.

When Muslim Mia and other local BNP activists and residents chased them, the protesters allegedly fled, leaving behind several bottles filled with petrol on the road.

The complaint also alleges that the incidents were carried out under the instructions and with financial support from former MP Sazzadul Hasan and several others.

Khaliajuri Police Station Officer-in-Charge Nasir Uddin said police had arrested two people following the filing of the case. Efforts were underway to arrest the other accused.

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