Documents damaged as Lakshmipur election office storeroom set on fire

Some documents got burnt as an unidentified youth set fire to the ground-floor storeroom of the Lakshmipur district Election Commission office by pouring petrol early today (13 December). 

CCTV footage shows a masked individual entering the premises by scaling the wall on the western side of the gate and leaving the same way shortly afterwards. The incident occurred around 4am. 

According to the footage, the youth climbed over the wall to enter the office. Moments later, flames were seen inside the storeroom, after which the individual fled by jumping back over the gate.

Additional Superintendent of Police (Sadar Circle) Rezaul Haque said an investigation is underway. "Operations are ongoing to arrest those involved," he added.

Lakshmipur Sadar Upazila Election Officer Md Faruk Hossain said a masked youth broke or opened a window, poured petrol, and set the room on fire. 

"Our night guard, Hamim, was sleeping inside. When he sensed something and shouted, 'who is there?' the youth ran away," he said.

He added that second copies of voter forms from the 2008 and 2009 voter lists were burnt in the fire. 

"Some equipment, including an unusable desktop CPU, was also damaged. However, the fire was brought under control quickly," Faruk Hossain said.

Faruk further said that he and District Election Officer Md Abdur Rashid rushed to the office after being informed. 

"The district administration and other authorities concerned have been notified. Senior police officers have visited the site and assured us that security will be strengthened," he added.

District Election Officer Md Abdur Rashid said, "Some office documents were damaged in the fire, but major losses were avoided as the incident was detected quickly. Police will investigate and take legal action."

Deputy Commissioner SM Mehdi Hasan said instructions have been issued to strengthen security at election offices across the district.