BRTC bus burnt to ashes in suspected arson in Khagrachari; driver was asleep inside

A Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) bus was completely burnt after miscreants set it on fire in Khagrachari. The incident took place at around 4am on Saturday (7 November). It is not yet confirmed who set the bus on fire.

Fire service personnel rushed to the spot after receiving the news and brought the fire under control. But most of the bus had already burnt before they arrived. Khagrachari Fire Service station officer Mukul Kumar Nath said they received news of the fire at 4:25am. Three fire service units then went to the spot and controlled the blaze, but by then the bus had almost completely burnt down.

BRTC ticket counter salesman Bidyut Chakma said he was informed about the fire by phone at around 4am. He later went to the spot and saw the bus fully burnt. He could not say who set the fire or why.

The bus driver was asleep inside the vehicle at the time. He woke up suddenly feeling excessive heat and saw the bus on fire.

Khagrachari Sadar police station officer-in-charge Kay Kislu said police are investigating the matter. They are examining CCTV footage from the surrounding area to find out the cause of the fire. It is still unclear whether anyone set the fire with the intention of sabotage. A case will be filed at the police station over the incident.

Meanwhile, district BNP general secretary MN Absar expressed suspicion about the involvement of the banned Awami League, Jubo League and Chhatra League in the incident. He alleged that activists of these organisations may be involved, and added that those who create mobs and cause disorder may also have helped in the incident.

The arson has caused concern in the area. Police are examining CCTV footage to determine the cause of the fire and identify those involved.