Enmity-Fuelled Fire Razes Home in Bandarban

A suspected case of deliberate arson has reduced a family home to ashes in the Baishari area of Naikhongchhari upazila in Bandarban, causing an estimated financial loss of Tk 4 million. The incident has sparked fear and concern among local residents, with the affected family alleging that the fire was the result of long-standing personal enmity rather than an accidental blaze.

The fire broke out in the early hours of Wednesday night, around 3:30 am on 7 January, in the Middle Baishari locality. According to local sources, the house belonged to Maulvi Kabir Uddin, who had arranged separate households for his three sons after their marriages. Despite this, all four families continued to live under the same tin-shed structure, partitioned internally for separate living arrangements.

As on any other night, family members had finished their evening meal and gone to sleep. They were suddenly awakened by flames and thick smoke spreading rapidly through the house. Within moments, the fire engulfed the entire structure. Women and children managed to escape with their lives, but there was no opportunity to salvage any belongings. Cash, gold jewellery, furniture, household goods and important documents were all completely destroyed.

Eyewitnesses reported hearing repeated “thudding” or “popping” sounds during the fire, which they said did not resemble those usually associated with electrical short circuits or accidental fires. These unusual sounds have fuelled suspicion among neighbours that flammable substances or even gunpowder may have been used to start the blaze.

The affected family has alleged that unidentified individuals deliberately set fire to the house out of hostility. They claim that previous disputes may have escalated into this violent act. Locals attempted to douse the flames upon being alerted, but the intensity of the fire made their efforts ineffective. A unit from the Fire Service eventually arrived and brought the fire under control, though by then the damage was already total.

Inspector Anwarul Islam, Officer-in-Charge of the Baishari Police Investigation Centre, stated that police reached the scene promptly and assisted in fire-fighting efforts. He confirmed that the matter is being investigated with due seriousness. Naikhongchhari Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Muhammad Mazharul Islam Chowdhury also said that an official inquiry has begun to determine the exact cause of the fire, and that legal action will be taken if deliberate wrongdoing is established.

The incident has once again highlighted concerns over rural fire safety and the vulnerability of tin-shed homes to rapid fire spread, particularly during the night when families are asleep.

Summary of the Incident

The displaced families are now facing severe hardship, and local residents have called for swift justice as well as emergency assistance for those left homeless by the blaze.