Bangladesh: A tragic incident unfolded in Bangladesh when a passenger train caught fire, resulting in the loss of five lives on Friday. Authorities suspect it was an act of arson amid unrest preceding national elections, which saw the opposition boycotting the polls.

Rakjibul Hasan, a fire service officer, reported that at least four coaches of the Benapole Express, en route from the western city of Jessore to the capital Dhaka, were engulfed in flames.

Initially, authorities suspected a household fire due to the congested area. However, Mohammad Iqbal Hossain, the deputy commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police Wari Division, revealed that the fire originated from the train. Concerns arose about additional individuals possibly being trapped inside. Hossain announced a search and rescue operation to ascertain further details.

In response to the incident, the Bangladesh Railway’s Dhaka Division office promptly formed a seven-member committee. The committee's primary task is to investigate the fire's cause and determine the accountability of relevant officials. The railway authority issued a press statement outlining the committee's mandate, granting it three working days to submit a comprehensive report.

This tragic event adds to a wave of violence and arson that has plagued Bangladesh since October 28 of the previous year. Tensions escalated as the main opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), and the largest Islamist party, Jamaat-e-Islami, protested against the ruling Awami League government ahead of the national elections. These protests led to frequent clashes and incidents of arson across the nation.

Addressing the escalating violence, on January 4, gatherings were organized at the National Press Club in Dhaka. Families of the victims, along with journalists, activists, and academics, united to demand an end to the ongoing blockades initiated by the BNP and Jamaat. The plea echoed the sentiments of many, appealing for peace amidst the tumultuous situation.

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