Petrol Bomb Attack Targets BNP Rebel Supporter

In Narsingdi Sadar Upazila, a BNP leader’s residence was allegedly targeted with a petrol bomb, resulting in a fire that destroyed household items in two rooms. Fortunately, no casualties were reported. The incident occurred on Monday night in the Bil-Dumurtola area of Hobkhali Union.

The house belongs to Humayun Molya, president of Hobkhali Union BNP. Local sources report that Molya is a supporter of the BNP’s ‘rebel’ candidate, Monirul Islam—recently expelled as the district BNP general secretary—who contested the Narsingdi-2 constituency, covering parts of Sadar and Lohagara. His local rival, former union BNP president Riazul Islam, supported the official BNP candidate, Fariduzzaman Farhad. Both candidates were defeated in the recent elections.

Tensions between the two factions had escalated following the polls. On Monday evening and later at night, clashes broke out in two separate incidents at Bagdanga Bus Stand, Hobkhali Union, leaving at least six people injured from both sides.

Humayun Molya’s family alleges that around 1:00 am, after the clashes, supporters of Riazul Islam threw a petrol bomb into a room on the northern side of Molya’s house. The blast woke the family and ignited fires in two rooms. Local residents rushed to help control the flames, and the fire service later arrived to extinguish the blaze.

Molya’s sister, Rulika Begum, stated:

“Neighbours responded to our calls and helped bring the fire under control. We believe this attack was orchestrated by the rival faction.”

Riazul Islam, however, has denied the allegations. Speaking over the phone, he said,

“A police vehicle was stationed nearby just half an hour before the incident. Who exactly started the fire is unclear. The sudden blaze seems like a deliberate conspiracy, nothing else.”

Narsingdi Sadar police’s Officer-in-Charge, Oli Mia, referred to the petrol bomb report as a matter under investigation. He told Prothom Alo,

“The origin of the fire and the identities of those responsible are still being determined. A case has been filed regarding the clashes yesterday, and arrests of the suspects are ongoing.”

Key details of the incidents are summarised in the table below:

The incident has heightened political tensions in the area, raising concerns over post-election unrest and the safety of local political figures.