The July Martyrs Memorial in Feni’s Muktobazar area was set on fire early Sunday, prompting renewed concern over targeted acts of vandalism against public monuments. A short video circulating on social media shows several masked individuals pouring kerosene on the structure before igniting it and fleeing the scene.
Video Raises Alarm Over Intentional Attack
Local residents discovered the damage shortly after dawn. The video clips, recorded from nearby cameras, appear to show the attackers acting in coordination. The footage spread quickly online, triggering public outrage and calls for swift investigation.
Nahidur Rahman, an injured July Movement participant from Feni, said the act was meant to dishonor the memory of the martyrs. He added that existing CCTV coverage in the surrounding area should enable law enforcement to identify those involved.
Political Reactions Highlight Tensions
Feni district BNP member-secretary Alal Uddin Alal alleged that the incident reflects a continuation of disruptive activities by political opponents. He claimed that similar acts of sabotage have occurred recently in several locations and warned that offenders may attempt larger incidents in the future. He also criticized internal disputes within his party, urging focus on preventing attacks on symbolic structures.
Police Begin Evidence Collection
Mohammad Samsuzzaman, Officer-in-Charge of Feni Model Police Station, confirmed that investigators are reviewing CCTV footage. He stated that the video material will help determine the timeline, method, and people involved in the arson. A case will be filed following the preliminary review.
Similar attacks on July Martyrs Memorial sites were previously reported in Barguna, Pirojpur, and Patuakhali.