Arsonists on Motorbikes Set Fire to Ambulance and Bus in Sylhet

A group of unidentified arsonists set fire to an ambulance parked inside the Shaheed Shamsuddin Ahmed Hospital premises and a bus stationed at the Kumargaon bus stand in Sylhet on Saturday night. Although the coordinated attacks caused significant damage, no injuries were reported.

Dr Mizanur Rahman Chowdhury, the hospital’s Resident Medical Officer (RMO), stated that CCTV footage captured the entire incident. According to him, two motorbikes carrying several masked individuals arrived at the hospital gate late at night. They parked their motorbikes on the road, entered the hospital compound on foot, and headed straight to the parking area. The footage shows them splashing petrol onto the ambulance before setting it ablaze. All of them were wearing helmets and hooded clothing, making identification difficult.

Emergency services responded swiftly. Junayed, an on-duty operator at the Fire Service control room, confirmed that the team reached the hospital at 3:15 am after receiving the distress call. Firefighters managed to bring the flames under control by 3:48 am. A second fire service unit rushed to the Kumargaon bus stand at 3:50 am following reports of another fire incident. The blaze there was extinguished by 4:50 am on Sunday morning.

The back-to-back arson incidents have raised concerns about coordinated sabotage. Earlier today, the Sylhet Metropolitan Police Commissioner visited both scenes to assess the damage and review the initial findings. Law enforcement agencies are now analysing CCTV footage, scrutinising possible escape routes, and examining whether the two attacks are linked.

Police officials have stated that multiple motives—including deliberate sabotage, criminal intimidation or targeted mischief—are being investigated. Additional patrols have been deployed in sensitive areas of the city as a precautionary measure.

Authorities have urged the public to remain calm but vigilant, assuring that efforts to identify and apprehend the perpetrators are underway.

Khaborwala/SJ