BNP Supporters Set Fire in Natore, Elderly Woman Dies

In a tragic escalation of political violence in Natore, Bangladesh, a local leader of the Jatiyatabadi Charter (Jatiya Party) was brutally murdered, prompting retaliatory arson that resulted in the death of an elderly woman. The incident occurred on Wednesday night at approximately 11:00 pm in Kumarpara, Kadamtola, under the jurisdiction of Kolom Union in Singra Upazila.

The deceased, Rezaul Karim, aged 53, was a prominent figure in local politics as a member of the Jatiya Charter and vice-president of the Arafat Rahman Koko Memorial Council, Natore. Alongside his political roles, Karim served as an assistant professor in the Department of History at Bilhalati Krimohani Degree College. According to police and eyewitness reports, he was walking near his residence after dinner when assailants attacked him, stabbing and slitting his throat before fleeing the scene. Residents discovered his body, and authorities subsequently transported it to Natore Modern Sadar Hospital for post-mortem examination.

The subsequent unrest saw local residents set fire to the home and shops of Abdul Ohab, nephew of former Awami League general secretary Alauddin Munshi. In the blaze, Sabiha Begum, aged 75 and the wife of Alauddin Munshi’s elder brother, perished. The fire completely destroyed the property.

Family members and local political figures have demanded swift justice. Haider Rashid, nephew of Rezaul Karim and former general secretary of Kolom Union BNP, alleged that the Karim faction orchestrated the murder and called for the immediate arrest of the perpetrators. He also implicated Abdul Karim, a known supporter of the Awami League and accused in multiple previous murder cases, who remains at large.

Shamim Hossain, former organisational secretary of Singra BNP, condemned the killings, describing them as the work of “identified local criminals” and urged rapid law enforcement action. In protest, BNP will hold a public rally at Singra Bus Stand at 11:00 am on Thursday.

Investigating officer Shafiqul Islam of Singra Police stated that post-mortem preparations are underway for both victims, noting severe injuries to Rezaul Karim’s throat and face. He confirmed that the exact motives behind the murder and subsequent arson remain under investigation.

The incident has heightened political tensions in Natore, prompting law enforcement to intensify patrols and preventive measures.

Authorities have assured the public that all efforts are underway to apprehend the culprits and restore order in the area, highlighting the growing concern over politically motivated violence in the region.