Two BRTC Buses Destroyed in Late-Night Fire at Noakhali Sonapur

In Sonapur, Noakhali, two passenger buses at the BRTC depot were completely destroyed in a fire set by unknown culprits in the early hours of Wednesday. Around 2:30 am, locals spotted flames and alerted the fire service. Two units from Maijdi Fire Station quickly arrived and brought the blaze under control within ten minutes. However, due to the foam in the buses, the fire spread rapidly. Two buses, ‘Gulbahar’ and ‘Malti’, operating on the Noakhali University of Science and Technology route, were entirely burnt, while another bus sustained partial damage.

Md. Arifur Rahman Tushar, manager of BRTC Sonapur Depot, reached the site immediately and described the incident as a deliberate act of sabotage. He stated, “My transfer was scheduled for today. The incoming officer was reluctant to take up the role. I believe the fire was planned to prevent the transfer. The operation was carried out very professionally.”

He added that local colleagues and residents had always been cooperative, and even during periods of political unrest, there were no issues. Therefore, this is not the work of ordinary people, but a premeditated act.

Md. Farid Ahmed, Assistant Director of Noakhali Fire Service, confirmed that upon receiving the alert at 2:40 am, they quickly reached the site and controlled the fire in a short period. Two buses were completely destroyed, and another partially damaged. The exact cause remains under investigation.

Officer-in-Charge Md. Kamrul Islam of Sudharam Police Station reported that police inspected the site and remain present. The cause of the blaze will be known after investigation.

KhaborwalaAJ