A seven-year-old girl, the daughter of a local Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader, was burnt to death after a mob allegedly set her family home on fire in Lakshmipur Sadar upazila early Sunday, triggering widespread outrage amid escalating political unrest in Bangladesh.

House set ablaze during night attack

According to reports in The Daily Star, the incident occurred around 1 am at the residence of Belal Hossain, a businessman and assistant organising secretary of the Bhabaniganj Union unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. Protesters allegedly locked the doors from outside and poured petrol before setting the tin-roofed house on fire.

Belal’s seven-year-old daughter, Ayesha, died inside the house, while Belal himself and his two other daughters—Salma Akter (16) and Samia Akter (14)—suffered severe burn injuries.

Family recounts horrifying ordeal

Belal’s mother, Hazera Begum, told reporters that she woke up after midnight to see the house engulfed in flames. “I ran out screaming but found both doors locked from outside. I couldn’t enter,” she said. According to her account, Belal eventually managed to break open the door and escape, while his wife Nazma fled with their four-month-old infant and six-year-old son.

“The three girls were sleeping in one room. Two were rescued with critical burns, but the youngest was burnt to death inside,” Hazera said, adding that she could not identify the attackers.

Victims shifted for treatment

Police confirmed the incident later in the morning and said an investigation was underway to identify those responsible and determine the motive. Dr Arup Pal, residential medical officer at Lakshmipur Sadar Hospital, said Belal was admitted locally, while the two injured girls were referred to the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in Dhaka with 50–60% burn injuries.

Violence linked to nationwide protests

The attack occurred amid widespread protests following the killing of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi, who was shot during an election campaign in Dhaka on December 12 and later died in Singapore. Unrest has since spread beyond the capital, with demonstrations, vandalism and heightened political tensions reported across the country.

Authorities said security has been tightened nationwide, and investigations into both the killing of Hadi and the Lakshmipur arson attack are ongoing.