Son Allegedly Sets Fire to Mother’s Home Over Dispute

A shocking incident in Nilphamari has triggered widespread concern after a 40-year-old man allegedly set fire to his mother’s house following a long-running dispute over family land ownership.

The accused, Nur Alam, is alleged to have deliberately torched the property of his mother, Nurjahan Begum, on Tuesday afternoon in the Mozamer Mor area of Tupamari Union under Nilphamari Sadar upazila. The incident has left the family homeless and the local community deeply disturbed.

Background to the dispute

According to local residents and family sources, tensions had been building for some time within the household over inherited land. Nur Alam, son of the late Zainal Hossain and Nurjahan Begum, was reportedly pressuring his mother and sister to transfer ownership of family property in his name.

Villagers said the situation worsened amid allegations that Nur Alam had developed an addiction to online gambling, which led to financial difficulties and the alleged sale of household belongings. Repeated refusals by family members to transfer land ownership are said to have further escalated tensions.

On Tuesday morning, he allegedly renewed his demands and issued threats when the request was again refused.

The incident

The situation reportedly turned violent in the afternoon when Nur Alam allegedly set fire to his mother’s room. The flames spread rapidly through the house, engulfing the structure before neighbours could intervene.

Residents immediately alerted the Fire Service and Civil Defence, who rushed to the scene and brought the blaze under control. However, by that time, the house had already suffered extensive damage, with most belongings destroyed.

Fire incident summary

Eyewitness accounts and family statement

Nurjahan Begum described years of alleged intimidation and pressure from her son, linking his behaviour to a gambling addiction that worsened over time.

She said Nur Alam had repeatedly demanded transfer of inherited land belonging to both her and her daughter. When the family refused, she alleged that he resorted to threats and ultimately arson.

“We have nowhere to go now,” she said. “He has been pressuring us for a long time. Today he set fire to our house simply because we refused to give him the land.”

Official response

Assistant Director of Nilphamari Fire Service and Civil Defence, Badsha Mawla Al Mazumder, confirmed that firefighters responded shortly after being alerted.

“The fire was brought under control after we reached the spot. A detailed assessment of the damage will be carried out following investigation,” he said.

Officer-in-Charge of Nilphamari Sadar Police Station, Zillur Rahman, said police had visited the scene and were collecting information.

“We have received reports of a house being set on fire. A police team has been sent. Legal action will be taken once a formal complaint is filed,” he added.

Community reaction and concerns

The incident has left residents of the area shaken, highlighting growing concerns over domestic conflicts linked to financial stress and addiction issues. Locals have called for stronger community and institutional support systems to address such disputes before they escalate into violence.

Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the full circumstances of the incident and whether additional charges will be brought against the accused.