A bus operated by Baishakhi Paribahan was set on fire by unidentified assailants in Dhaka’s Natun Bazar area on Friday evening, prompting police to suspect the involvement of activists from a banned political organisation.
The fire broke out at around 5:47pm on November 6, opposite the Coca-Cola Gate, where the bus was parked. Two units from the Baridhara Fire Station responded to the scene and brought the blaze under control.
According to police, the bus helper had stepped away to use the toilet while the driver remained inside the vehicle. At that point, unidentified individuals allegedly approached from behind and threw petrol from a bottle at the bus before setting it on fire.
The vehicle was gutted in the blaze. However, no passengers were on board at the time, and no casualties were reported.
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADC) for the Badda Zone, Al Amin Hossain, told Bangla Tribune that police suspected activists of a banned political organisation were responsible for the attack.
He said the damaged bus had been removed and traffic movement in the area had returned to normal.
Police are examining CCTV footage from the scene and surrounding areas to identify and arrest those involved, he added.
Separate Fire in Segunbagicha
Meanwhile, a parked, abandoned bus caught fire near the Divisional Commissioner’s Office in Dhaka’s Segunbagicha area on Friday afternoon.
Officer-in-Charge of Ramna Police Station, Mohammad Yasin Mia, said the fire was believed to have originated from a burning bidi or cigarette.
He said CCTV footage showed no evidence of deliberate arson, while eyewitnesses also reported seeing no one setting the vehicle on fire. Police described the incident as accidental.
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