Dhaka:Investigators have found no evidence suggesting that petrol bombs were used in the fire at the village home of MP Nusrat Tabassum, according to Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed. The minister addressed the issue in Parliament following an allegation by Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam, who claimed that the Awami League could be linked to the incident.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed stated that an initial investigation pointed towards an electrical short circuit as the possible cause of the fire. Investigators noted the absence of petrol bomb explosion signs on the house's walls, and no witnesses reported seeing petrol bombs used during the incident. The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) assessment suggested that the fire was likely caused by faulty electrical wiring.
The fire occurred in a tin-shed, semi-concrete house in the MP's village, which was unoccupied at the time. The house was located approximately 20 meters away from a three-storey building where her parents reside. Two goats died in the fire, and various personal belongings were also affected.
An additional superintendent of police and the officer-in-charge of the local police station visited the scene. The police are investigating the matter under GD No. 703, filed on Thursday. A joint investigation involving the BGB, Fire Service and Civil Defence, civil administration, and police has been ordered to determine if the fire was accidental or an act of sabotage.
Opposition Chief Whip Md Nahid Islam expressed concerns over the arson attack and the security of lawmakers. He claimed miscreants hurled petrol bombs at the house, and criticized the local police for concluding that no petrol bombs were used without forensic investigation. He also raised issues about ongoing attacks and deteriorating security in the country, questioning the government's response.