Bus Set on Fire on Feni Highway, Attempts to Block Two Locations

A passenger bus parked on the Dhaka–Chattogram highway in Feni was set on fire. The incident occurred around 10 p.m. on Wednesday near the Rural Electrification office area of Rampur in Feni Sadar Upazila. Locals quickly extinguished the fire by pouring water.

According to eyewitnesses, police, and local sources, a Rony-Rana Paribahan bus was parked on the Dhaka-bound lane of the highway when a group of unidentified people suddenly set it on fire, burning the front portion of the vehicle.

Abdul Majid, senior station officer of Feni Fire Service and Civil Defense, said that by the time firefighters reached the spot, local residents had already extinguished the fire. He added that it is initially suspected to be an act of sabotage.

Mohammad Samsuzzaman, officer-in-charge (OC) of Feni Model Police Station, said that police visited the scene after receiving the report. The reason behind the bus being parked there is under investigation, and legal action will be taken as necessary.

Meanwhile, leaders and activists of the banned Chhatra League demonstrated in Feni in support of the banned Awami League’s online-announced “lockdown” program. The incident took place around 10 p.m. on Wednesday in Fatehpur area of Feni Sadar Upazila, where they attempted to block the highway by burning wood. However, they left the area within 10 minutes.

Eyewitnesses said 15 to 20 people wearing masks took part in the demonstration. They chanted slogans against ousted Sheikh Hasina and former Member of Parliament Nizam Uddin Hazari before leaving the spot. However, OC Mohammad Samsuzzaman stated that police have no information about the incident.

Elsewhere, a few individuals attempted to block the Feni-Parshuram regional road by setting tires on fire. The incident occurred around 10 p.m. in front of the Chitholia Freedom Fighter Complex.

Police and local sources said the incidents were linked to the banned Awami League’s “lockdown” program. The agitators left the area quickly after sensing the presence of law enforcement and administrative personnel.

OC Mohammad Nurul Hakim of Parshuram Model Police Station said that a few unidentified youths set tires on fire and quickly fled the scene. No casualties were reported. Law enforcement agencies remain vigilant.

Khaborwala/TSN