Arson attack on two launches

Sporadic incidents of violence marked the 19th day of the indefinite blockade enforced by the BNP-led 20-party alliance with alleged blockaders targeting launches again.

Two launches came under arson attacks while at least 11 vehicles were torched across the country yesterday. Dozens of BNP-Jamaat men were arrested in several districts as well.

Meanwhile, the alliance has called 36-hour hartal from 6:00am today protesting a proposal to increase power tariff, “government's conspiracy to carry out subversive activities” and arrest of its “10,000 leaders and activists”.

Alleged blockaders yesterday set fire to an anchored three-decker launch, belonging to Golam Kibria Tipu, a former Awami League lawmaker from Barisal, at Sadarghat in Dhaka, burning down its nine cabins and injuring one person.

MV Bangalee, a passenger-carrying vessel of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation plying on Morelganj-Dhaka route, came under arson attack in the afternoon.

Abdul Hai, master of the vessel, said alleged blockaders hurled petrol bombs at the vessel when it was crossing Gabkhan Bridge in Jhalakathi, but there was no casualty.

Gopal Chandra Majumdar, assistant general manager of BIWTC Barisal station, said air-conditioning system of eight cabins was damaged in that attack.

On January 20, two launches were set on fire at Barisal Launch Terminal, the first of its kind.

In Narayanganj, locals beat up three Shibir arsonists while they were trying to hurl petrol bombs at a bus on the Dhaka-Narayanganj road, and handed them over to police.

In Chapainawabganj, a trucker and his helper were injured as blockaders hurled crude bombs at their vehicle at Nayanagar of Sadar Upazila on Friday night.

On information, firefighters rushed to the spot and took the injured to Chapainawabganj Sadar Hospital.

In Jamalpur, alleged blockaders vandalised at least 10 easy-bikes and two billboards of Awami League leaders yesterday. In retaliation, aggrieved Jubo League men set fire to a BNP office at Shafi Miar Bazar in the town.

A CNG-run three-wheelers' driver suffered burns as alleged blockaders set his vehicle on fire at Chandra in Chandpur yesterday. Driver Anwar Hossain was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital.