Dhaka: A seven year old girl was killed in a brutal arson attack after a mob set fire to the house of a local opposition leader in southeastern Bangladesh, deepening fears over growing political violence in the country.
The incident took place late on Saturday night in Lakshmipur district, where the home of a local leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party was targeted. According to police and local officials, attackers locked the house from outside before setting it on fire.
The child, who was inside the house at the time, died from severe burns. Three other family members, including two teenage girls and their father, were seriously injured and rushed to hospital. Doctors said the injured remain in critical condition and have been shifted to Dhaka for advanced treatment.
Local residents said the attack appeared to be politically motivated, though police are still investigating the exact cause. No arrests had been announced by Sunday afternoon, but security forces said raids were under way to identify those responsible.
The killing has sparked outrage across Bangladesh, with opposition leaders accusing authorities of failing to protect civilians amid rising unrest. Rights groups and child welfare advocates also condemned the attack, calling it a shocking act of violence against innocent lives.
The arson comes amid a wider wave of instability in Bangladesh following recent political clashes, protests, and attacks on media houses and political figures. The government has tightened security in several districts and appealed for calm, warning that those involved in violence will face strict legal action.
As tensions remain high, many families in affected areas say they are living in fear, hoping for peace and accountability as the country moves toward upcoming national elections.