Arson in launch at Sadarghat during blockade

Miscreants have set fire to a launch at Sadarghat in Dhaka during the BNP-sponsored blockade of roads, waterways and railways.

A cabin on the second deck of MV Tipu-6 was seen to be on fire around 5:45pm.

There were no casualties, as the launch was evacuated and the fire put out promptly.

Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority Inspector Humayun Kabir said someone in disguise of a passenger started the fire on the Pirojpur-bound launch, anchored at pontoon-6.

Earlier in the day, in Jhalakathi, miscreants hurled a petrol bomb at a Dhaka-bound launch.

Jhalakathi Police Station OC Shilmoni Chakma said miscreants dropped a petrol bomb on the launch, MV Bangali, from a bridge at Gabkhan around 3:30pm.

According to him, eight air-conditioners on the roof of the launch were burnt but there were no casualties, as the fire was doused quickly.

Vehicles and trains have been frequent targets of arsonists during the blockade that started on Jan 5.

Launches have recently come under arson attacks.

Two launches faced arson attacks in Barisal on Wednesday.