The Fire Service, police, and Palli Bidyut authorities have launched an investigation into a fire at the ancestral home of Nusrat Tabassum, joint convenor of National Citizen Party (NCP) and member of Parliament for a reserved women’s seat, in Kushtia.
A forensic team from Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of police collected various evidence from the scene, though the relevant agencies are yet to confirm the origin of the fire or the allegation of petrol-bomb throwing.
The CID forensic team from Jhenaidah arrived at Bagowan village in Dangamarka area of Daulatpur upazila at around 1pm on Thursday and gathered evidence from several burnt areas of the house.
Aminul Islam, Kushtia superintendent of police, inspected the scene at the same time, alongside representatives from the Fire Service and Palli Bidyut who are conducting their own inquiries.
The fire broke out after 12am midnight on Wednesday at Nusrat’s ancestral residence, destroying seven of the ten rooms in the tin-shed house and killing two goats.
Nusrat Tabassum, member of Parliament, alleged that the house was set ablaze with petrol bombs, although the actual cause remains unknown.
Faisal Mahmud, additional superintendent of police and district police spokesman, said police have been investigating since the incident took place.
He said the CID forensic team collected evidence from the spot, which was also inspected by Fire Service and Palli Bidyut representatives.
He added that nothing definitive can be said about the cause until the probe concludes, noting it could either be an accident or arson, and warned that strict action will be taken if evidence of sabotage is found.
Shafiqul Islam, station officer at Bheramara Fire Service, said extensive damage was caused as several belongings were burnt, but the origin of the fire cannot be determined without an investigation.
Tozammel Haque, assistant general manager at Pragpur sub-zonal office of Palli Bidyut in Daulatpur upazila, informed that their team inspected the location.
He explained that preliminary observations suggest no accident occurred from the Palli Bidyut line. He added that the actual cause will only be confirmed after receiving investigation reports from relevant agencies, including the evidence gathered by the CID.
