310 incidents of vandalism, 376 cases of arson across the country

                          310 incidents of vandalism, 376 cases of arson across the country

This information was informed in a circular sent to the media from the headquarters of the Bangladesh Police on Thursday (November 23).

It is said that 275 vehicles were vandalized, 24 structures were vandalized and 11 others were vandalized from October 29 to November 22 during the nationwide blockade and strike called to prevent the election. Besides, 290 vehicles, 17 structures and 69 others, including 376 incidents of arson have occurred. At this time, 6 people including a policeman were killed while on duty in various incidents.

Among them vandals vandalized Awami League office in Jhalkathi district on November 2, Pirojpur on November 5 and 2 offices of Awami League in Sirajganj district on November 6 and 15. On November 19, 132 of Barmi Union under Sreepur Thana of Gazipur District, Gilashwar late A. The tin school building of Jabbar Government Primary School was set on fire. 4 benches and 1 tin window of the school were damaged in the fire set by vandals.

During the siege, there were 24 sabotage incidents on the railways from October 31 to November 22. Among them, 3 trains were set on fire at Kamalapur railway station, Tangail and Jamalpur. There have been incidents of stone pelting on 6 trains including 1 in Dhaka Metropolis, 2 in Mymensingh, 1 in Gazipur, 1 in Netrakona and 1 in Naogaon. 1 in Kishoreganj, 2 in Noakhali, 1 in Sylhet, 1 in Pabna, 1 in Dinajpur and 3 in Gazipur, 9 incidents of arson occurred on the railway line.

Besides, there were 3 incidents of attempts to cut the railway line in Sylhet, Mymensingh and Kishoreganj and attempts to open the fee plate of the railway line in Gaibandha. Bottles full of petrol and diesel were thrown on the train in Pabna. In Narayanganj, sabotage was attempted by adding an additional 3 feet long 3 inches wide sheet on the railway line.

From October 28 to November 16, 29 people were arrested in connection with car arson in Dhaka metropolitan area. These include 2 in Ramna, 2 in Bangshal, 4 in Mughda, 2 in Tejgaon Industrial Area, 1 in Mohammadpur, 8 in Pallabi, 1 in Kafrul, 5 in Gulshan, 1 in Cantonment, 2 in Khilkshe and 1 in Uttara East.

Besides, 17 people were arrested in 6 incidents during picketing and arson during the blockade and strike in Comilla district from October 28 to November 21. Among them, 1 person was arrested in the case of arson and 16 people were arrested during picketing. Many of those arrested have given confessional statements citing their involvement.

Vandals purposely wear jackets with 'Press' written on them in order to confuse the police and engage in destructive activities, which is now clear to the public - the Bangladesh Police has urged everyone to desist from violent acts of vandalism and sabotage.

A reward of up to 20,000 taka has been announced for those who vandalize transport or structures during the siege-hartal, bring in the arsonists with appropriate evidence or provide specific information. Police also said that the identity of the informant will be kept confidential.