Serial arson attacks on Hindu homes in Raozan: 5 arrested, special security team to be formed

A series of arson attacks targeting the homes of Hindu families has taken place over the last five days in Raozan upazila of Chattogram, prompting the authorities to arrest five people and form a "special security team" to ensure safety in the affected areas.

According to locals, there has been a series of arson attacks on the homes of Hindu families in Raozan over the past five days. Houses of seven Hindu families were burned in three separate localities.

In each incident, miscreants locked the doors from outside at night before setting the houses on fire.

Mohammad Belayet Hossain, ASP (Rangunia and Raozan Circle), told The Business Standard that the incidents are taking place in remote village areas under the cover of darkness, which is why no footage is available. However, a case has been filed over the incident. More cases will be filed as there have been several incidents. Police, DB, and other agencies are working on the ground.

The latest incident occurred early yesterday (23 December) in Sultanpur Ward No 5 of the Raozan municipality, where two houses were set ablaze using the same method.

According to the victims, between 3:15am and 4am yesterday, the houses of expatriates Sukh Shil and Anil Shil in Sultanpur village were torched. Family members said they woke up after sensing the heat of the fire, but were initially unable to escape as the doors had been locked fromthe outside. Eight members of the two families eventually managed to save their lives by cutting through tin sheets and bamboo fencing.

Seven rooms, along with furniture, cash, and important documents, were completely destroyed in the fire.

Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) SM Rahatul Islam visited the affected families and handed over cash and food assistance.

He said police investigations were continuing and security measures had been strengthened in the area. "Police patrols have been intensified, and local residents are also keeping watch to ensure security," he added.

Earlier, three houses were set on fire in the Keotia area on Friday, while similar attacks were carried out on the homes of Bimal Talukder and Rubel Dash in the Dhewapara area on Saturday.

Raozan Police Station Officer-in-Charge Sajedul Islam told The Business Standard that two separate cases had been filed in connection with the incidents on Friday and Saturday. "So far, five people have been arrested through police operations. Efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest the remaining perpetrators. No complaint has yet been filed over Tuesday's incident," he said.

To control the situation and maintain communal harmony, a meeting with people from all walks of life was held at the Raozan police station premises yesterday afternoon.

Organised under the directive of the district superintendent of police, the meeting was attended by the Raozan upazila ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami, local leaders of BNP and Chhatra Dal, the general secretary of the Puja Udjapan Committee, and representatives of various religious and social organisations.

The participants discussed the recent acts of sabotage, the need to ensure justice, and measures to preserve communal harmony. At the meeting, a decision was taken to form a "special security team" comprising police, village police, and local volunteers. The team will conduct night patrols and vigilance duties in vulnerable areas.

Police officials also assured that checkpoints would be set up at key entry points and special drives would be carried out to arrest identified criminals. The meeting concluded with a call for people of all political and social backgrounds to work together to maintain peace and harmony in the area.