Councillor’s death sparks anger in Sirajganj, 100 houses, shops vandalized

A group of people on Sunday vandalised more than 100 of houses, torched and looted several houses, shops, protesting the murder of BNP-backed candidate Md Tariqul Islam Khan by his rival group in Sirajganj sadar upazila.

Md Tariqul Islam Khan was unofficially elected as councillor in Sirajganj sadar municipal election on Saturday and was murdered by his rival group when he brought out a victory procession in the evening.

On Sunday, residents of Natun Bhangabari area brought out a procession demanding death by hanging for the killers of Tariqul Islam. Later, being equipped with lethal weapons and sticks, they went Shahed Nagar Byaparipara area to take revenge for yesterday’s murder.

The angry mob then attacked and vandalised more than 100 houses, torched and looted several houses and shops creating a reign of terror among the inhabitants of the area. Most of the residents left their houses being panic-stricken and took shelter in safe places during the attack, said witnesses.

Being informed, police rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control.

Several incidents of attack were happened from Saturday evening to Sunday noon, soon after the death news of the BNP-backed councillor candidate had spread.

Additional police have been deployed in the area to avoid any untoward incident.

According to police and Fire Service sources, attacks were carried out at Abdus Salam’s house and two others houses by a group of protestors on Saturday night. They put fire on a private car, two pick-up vans and motorcycles at that time.

Abdus Salam, owner of the damaged house, said, “I don’t understand why my house was attacked. The protesters set fire to a private car, two pickups and several motorcycles in the house.”

The owners of the damaged houses valiant freedom fighters Gazi Azizur Rahman and Gazi Abdul Majid, said that they vandalized the houses even after barring them telling their identities.

Sanwar Hossain, owner of Tony Store, said, “My shop was attacked, looted and set on fire. Everything was damaged in the fire.”