Bus Set on Fire in Matuail; Rashed Khan Blames Awami League

PNN News Desk | Dhaka

A passenger bus belonging to Shrabon Paribahan was set on fire by unidentified individuals while it was parked in Matuail, under the jurisdiction of Kadamtali Police Station in the capital.

The incident took place on Monday (November 2) night beside the Matuail Mother and Child Health Institute Hospital.

Rashed Khan, the Prime Minister's Political Assistant holding the rank of Secretary, blamed the Awami League for the incident. He alleged that arson attacks, assaults and vandalism were being carried out as part of attempts to create instability in the country by exploiting the ongoing garment workers' movement.

He made the allegations in a Facebook post on Tuesday (November 3). In the same post, he also questioned the role of opposition political parties in the recent incidents.

In his statement, Rashed Khan claimed that the midnight arson attack on the bus in Matuail was part of a continuing effort to create unrest by taking advantage of the ongoing labour movement.

According to him, opposition parties must play an active role in preventing such acts of violence and bringing the situation under control.

He further said that if opposition parties, driven by their desire to come to power, chose to tolerate what he described as violent activities by the Awami League, they would also have to face the consequences.

Calling for a stronger response, he urged opposition parties to take to the streets and resist such activities if they genuinely wanted the welfare of the country.

Rashed Khan also expressed doubts about the possibility of any understanding or political accommodation between the Awami League and opposition parties.

In his view, opposition parties needed to demonstrate through their actions whether they were genuinely committed to ensuring justice for the July mass killings and bringing those responsible to justice.

He suggested that their political position should be judged by their response to the ongoing incidents and their willingness to oppose violence.

However, neither the police nor the relevant authorities have officially confirmed who was responsible for setting the bus on fire.

No casualties have been reported in connection with the incident.