Primary education office fire in Mirpur ‘set by staff’, 3 held
According to police, the fire broke out in a second-floor store room of the DPE building between 2am and 4:30am yesterday.
Police have arrested three employees of the Directorate of Primary Education (DPE) for allegedly setting fire to a store room at its Mirpur office, causing damage to government property worth Tk2-3 crore.
Speaking at a briefing at DMP Media Centre in Minto Road today (2 May), Deputy Commissioner (Mirpur division) Mostak Sarkar said the fire was deliberately set by staff members, with more suspects identified.
The arrested are Asmaul Islam, a cleaner (master roll); Jinnat Ali Biswas, a research officer and store in-charge; and Humayun Kabir Khan, a storekeeper (master roll). Another suspect, Hridoy, has also been identified.
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According to police, the fire broke out in a second-floor store room of the DPE building between 2am and 4:30am yesterday.
A total of 735 laptops were stored in the room. Of them, 140 were completely burnt, 29 were severely damaged, and 33 were partially damaged. Another 450 laptops were recovered intact, while 83 remain missing. Bags and other accessories were also destroyed in the fire.
Police said a case was filed by the department against unidentified persons.
During the investigation, Mirpur Model Police Station used information technology tools to identify and arrest Asmaul Islam, who initially confessed to setting the fire. Based on his statement, the other two accused were detained.
The suspects allegedly carried out the arson with the intention of damaging government property, Mostak said, adding that the motive is still under investigation.
"They will be produced before the court and remand will be sought for further questioning," he said.
Responding to a question, the DC said four to five individuals from the institution had planned the incident, while Asmaul Islam executed it after being offered financial incentives.
"He was promised Tk5 lakh and given Tk80,000 in advance, which he used to purchase materials for the act," he added.
