Eight killed in vandalism, arson attacks in Kushtia

At least eight people have been killed, and hundreds injured in Kushtia amid mass vandalism and arson attacks.

Rafiqul Islam, an official of Kushtia General Hospital, said “Around 200 people of different age groups came to the hospital with injuries on Monday. Of them, 133 have been admitted.”

“Also, three people were brought dead. A total of eight people have died. Five of them died while undergoing treatment at the hospital,” said Rafiqul.

Six of the dead have been identified as Usama, 15, a resident of Thana para; Ashraful, 25, a goldsmith of Sadar Upazila; Babu, 13, a resident of Shaldah village; Bablu, 50, a construction worker; Shobuj, 28, a resident of Thana para and Zia, 42, a resident of Bheramara.

Earlier, a group of people vandalised the Kushtia Model Police Station as clashes broke out between the agitators and police on Monday.

Police used tear shells, rubber bullets, sound grenades and shotgun bullets to break up the crowd.

Sprinters and rubber bullets injured hundreds of people in the clash with police.

In the wake of the massive vandalism attacks, police left the station around 3:30pm.

After that, there were reports of looting in several areas.

District Awami League offices and homes of AL leaders were attacked and vandalised until 12pm on Tuesday.

Since no law-enforcing agency or fire service operated in the district at the time, no statements were received from them regarding the incidents.