Young Hindu Man Dies in Late-Night Fire
A 25-year-old Hindu man, identified as Chanchal Bhowmik, died after a fire broke out in Narsingdi, Bangladesh, late Friday night. Police said Bhowmik was asleep inside a garage when the blaze erupted. Firefighters rushed to the spot after receiving alerts from locals. However, by the time they managed to open the shutter and enter the premises, the flames had already engulfed the area. Authorities later recovered Bhowmik’s charred body from inside the shop.
CCTV Footage Raises Suspicion
Narsingdi Police Superintendent Abdullah Al Faruque confirmed that CCTV footage from the scene shows suspicious movement near the site. Speaking to news agency ANI, he said investigators spotted a person moving around close to the garage before the fire broke out. Police have seized the footage and begun a detailed analysis. Officials are now examining whether the fire resulted from deliberate action or an accidental cause such as an electrical fault.
Probe Underway, No Arrests So Far
According to police, the fire originated inside the shop where Bhowmik had been sleeping. Fire service personnel broke open the shutter in an attempt to rescue him, but the effort failed. “We are investigating all possible angles,” SP Faruque said, adding that officers have not made any arrests so far. Authorities have also launched a forensic examination to determine the exact cause of the fire. The investigation remains ongoing as police question locals and review technical evidence.
Minority Safety Under Growing Scrutiny
The incident comes at a sensitive time in Bangladesh, where concerns over minority security continue to rise. The country faces a volatile political environment ahead of national elections scheduled for February 12, 2026. With the Awami League banned and communal tensions increasing, attacks and suspicious incidents involving religious minorities have drawn international attention. Rights groups have urged authorities to ensure accountability and protect vulnerable communities as political uncertainty deepens.
