In a troubling incident late on Friday night, 20 February 2026, the BNP office of Ward No. 1 in Sonatala village, under Southkhali Union of Sharankhola Upazila, Bagerhat, was completely destroyed by fire. Local residents reported that flames suddenly erupted inside the office during the darkness of night. Despite attempts to control the blaze, the strong winds accelerated its spread, reducing the office and its contents to ashes. Among the destroyed items were vital documents, party banners, festoons, and office furniture.
Shahidul Islam Liton, President of Southkhali Union BNP, condemned the incident, stating, “This arson has been carried out deliberately to create political instability in the area. We demand the immediate arrest of the culprits and exemplary punishment to deter such acts.”
Sharankhola police confirmed that a team visited the site on the night of the fire to collect evidence. Officer-in-Charge Md. Shaminul Haque noted, “The matter is being investigated seriously. Once we receive a written complaint from the affected party, appropriate legal action will follow.”
Preliminary assessments by police and locals suggest that the fire was intentionally set. Investigations are ongoing to determine the precise cause and to identify those responsible. Residents have expressed concerns that the arson may be linked to political rivalry or disputes over local power.
A summary of the damage caused by the fire is presented below:
| Subject | Details |
|---|---|
| Location of Incident | Sonatala Village, Ward No. 1, Southkhali Union, Sharankhola, Bagerhat |
| Assets Damaged | Office furniture, party banners and festoons, important documents |
| Time of Incident | Night of 20 February 2026 |
| Police Response | Site inspection, evidence collection, investigation initiated |
| Local Leader’s Statement | Deliberate act to create political instability; calls for swift punishment |
The fire has temporarily disrupted local political activities, as BNP leaders and members work to replace destroyed documents and party materials.
Sharankhola police have intensified their investigation and are pursuing all leads to ensure those responsible are apprehended. The authorities emphasised that strict action will be taken to prevent any similar incidents in the future, aiming to safeguard both political establishments and public trust in the area.