A devastating fire at a hotel run by a district leader of the Awami League, led by Sheikh Hasina, has resulted in the deaths of 24 people. According to the Dhaka Tribune, the fire was deliberately set by unknown individuals at the hotel owned by Sahin Chakladar, the General Secretary of the Jessore District Awami League.
The blaze, which began around 4 PM on Monday and was brought under control by 8 PM, claimed the lives of many due to smoke inhalation. Reports indicate that between 25 to 30 people were rescued from the hotel. Among the deceased was an Indonesian national, according to the Bengali-language newspaper Prothom Alo.
Dr. Prartho Pratim Chakraborty from Jessore Hospital stated that 150 injured individuals are receiving treatment. The incident followed violent protests against reservations, which led to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation. She reportedly left the country in a military helicopter headed for India.
In the wake of her departure, attacks were carried out on properties associated with Awami League leaders. Prothom Alo reported that 14 people were killed in Satkhira, including five relatives of ruling party leaders. Zakir Hossain’s house in Kalyanpur was also attacked, and shots were fired during the incident.
Further chaos ensued as mobs set fire to police stations, including Satkhira Sadar, traffic police, and Shyamnagar police stations. The extent of the damage remains unclear as local police stations were unoccupied at the time.
Bangladesh’s police chief urged the public not to attack law enforcement, stating that the problems lie with the leadership. DIG Shaheen Rana assured that investigations into the violence and deaths of students and citizens would be conducted and called for restraint against attacking police organizations.
In related news, the Dhaka-based Daily Star reported that there have been changes in the responsibilities of senior officials in the Bangladeshi military amidst the ongoing unrest.
