Dhaka:The National Citizen Party (NCP) organized a torch procession in the capital to protest the government's response to a fire incident at the Kushtia residence of MP Nusrat Tabassum. The protest took place following the Home Minister's statement in parliament that no evidence of petrol bombs was found at the site.
According to United News of Bangladesh, NCP Member Secretary and MP Akhter Hossain led the procession, which started at Banglamotor and concluded at Shahbagh intersection by passing through Paribagh and the Hotel InterContinental intersection. The march caused a temporary suspension of traffic in these areas.
During a rally before the procession, Akhter accused members of the Awami League of attacking the house using petrol bombs, referencing CCTV footage as evidence of the fire being initiated from outside. He criticized the Home Minister's remarks as inadequate and challenged the description of the house as abandoned, asserting that it had been occupied for years. Akhter also criticized the government's inability to apprehend the attackers of Jatiya Chhatra Shakti leader Hasibul Islam.
The NCP placed demands for the immediate arrest and punishment of those responsible for the arson and called for trials of Awami League leaders for alleged crimes against humanity.
In parliament, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed reported that the fire occurred in a tin-shed, semi-pucca house in Daulatpur, with Nusrat's parents residing in a nearby building. He mentioned that no one was present in the burned house, except for two goats and some belongings. He announced a joint investigation to determine the cause of the fire, suggesting a short circuit as a likely reason.
Opposition chief whip Nahid Islam had previously alleged the use of petrol bombs but reported that local authorities found no evidence of such devices. During a site visit, Nusrat Tabassum maintained that the house was occupied and attributed the fire to the Awami League, whose activities she claimed are banned.