Arson Attack on Chattogram Warehouse

A suspected arson attack has damaged a garment waste (jhute) warehouse in the Anannya Residential Area under Chandgaon, raising fresh concerns over extortion-related violence in the port city of Chattogram. The incident occurred around midday on Wednesday (1 April), when a group of unidentified individuals reportedly forced workers out of the facility before setting it ablaze using flammable substances.

According to police officials, between eight and ten individuals entered the warehouse premises in an organised manner. They first ordered the officers and employees to vacate the building, ensuring no immediate human resistance, and then poured a highly combustible liquid—believed to have been carried in a two-litre container—across parts of the storage area before igniting it. The group subsequently fled the scene.

Officer-in-Charge Nur Hossain Mamun of Chandgaon Police Station confirmed the details, stating that law enforcement teams had already inspected the affected warehouse and launched an inquiry. While no suspects have yet been identified, preliminary findings suggest a possible link to earlier extortion attempts. “During the last Ramadan, a group allegedly demanded money from the warehouse owner,” he noted. “However, no formal complaint was lodged at the time, nor was police assistance sought.”

Local resident Shawkat Hossain corroborated the sequence of events, saying that a group arrived shortly before noon and set fire to the warehouse. “The Fire Service responded promptly and managed to bring the flames under control. Police were also present, but it is still unclear who was responsible,” he said.

Firefighters were able to contain the blaze before it spread to adjacent structures, thereby preventing a potentially larger disaster in the densely populated residential-industrial zone. Nevertheless, the warehouse suffered notable material damage, particularly to stored textile waste, which is highly flammable and can accelerate the spread of fire.

Security analysts point out that jhute warehouses across Chattogram have increasingly become soft targets for criminal groups engaged in extortion. These facilities typically store large quantities of discarded fabric, making them especially vulnerable to arson attacks. Similar incidents were reported in late 2025 in other parts of the city, reinforcing concerns about a recurring pattern.

Below is a summary of recent comparable incidents:

Law enforcement authorities have stated that surveillance and intelligence efforts have been intensified in response to these incidents. Business owners have been strongly advised to report any threats or extortion demands promptly, as early intervention may help prevent such destructive acts.