A wave of arson swept across the country from Tuesday midnight to early Thursday, with coordinated attacks reported on highways, railway tracks, government offices and university campuses.
Several individuals linked to the banned Chhatra League and the suspended activities of the Awami League have been arrested in connection with the violence, police sources said.
Thursday, 8:30am – Sugar-laden truck set on fire Madaripur’s Shibchar
Miscreants set fire to a sugar-loaded truck in Madaripur’s Shibchar, also vandalising a police vehicle during the unrest.
The incident occurred when leaders and activists of the banned Chhatra League attempted to blockade the Dhaka–Bhanga Expressway by placing tree logs on the road.
Traffic came to a standstill, after which the truck was torched. Highway Police brought the situation under control, and authorities said the area is now normal with patrols ongoing.
Thursday, 2am — Railway line torched in Brahmanbaria
Miscreants set fire to a section of the railway track in Brahmanbaria Sadar upazila, halting the Chattogram-bound Turna Nishitha and Bijoy Express.
Train operations were suspended for about an hour before police and railway staff extinguished the fire and restored services.
The pattern of incidents indicates a coordinated attempt to spread panic across key transport routes and public institutions overnight.
Wednesday, 3am — Petrol bomb attack at Khulna Sub-Registry Office
Miscreants hurled two petrol bombs into the Khulna Sadar Sub-Registry Office through the rear grill, igniting the deed writers’ section and burning chairs and tables. A Tutpara Fire Service unit quickly doused the flames, preventing major damage. Police are working to trace the attackers.
Wednesday, 12:30am — Passenger bus set on fire on Dhaka–Tangail highway
A moving ‘Bangla Star’ passenger bus was torched in the Baikhola area of the Dhaka–Tangail highway.
Passengers escaped unharmed, and two units of the Tangail Fire Service brought the fire under control. Police said the attackers set fire to the rear of the bus and fled.
Wednesday, 9:25pm — Crude bombs explode at DU TSC
Two crude bombs exploded near Dhaka University’s TSC area, triggering panic among students and visitors attending an exhibition.
Witnesses said the bombs were hurled either from Suhrawardy Udyan or a moving motorcycle. One person was reportedly injured, though his identity could not be confirmed.
A bus caught fire near the entrance of the Mawa Expressway in Dolaipar, Dhaka, on Wednesday evening. Photo: Collected
Wednesday, 6:38pm — Bus torched in Dhaka’s Dholaipar
Unidentified miscreants set fire to a bus near the entrance of the Mawa Expressway in Dhaka’s Dholaipar area. Two fire service units brought the blaze under control soon after receiving the alert.
A video circulating online showed the vehicle engulfed in flames, with witnesses alleging it was deliberately torched. This was the fourth vehicle fire reported in the capital on Wednesday.
Tuesday midnight to Wednesday night — Six buses torched in Dhaka, Savar and Gazipur
At least six buses were set ablaze in separate attacks in Dhaka, Savar and Gazipur, centring the ‘lockdown’ programme announced online by the suspended Awami League.
