Mirzaganj
Awami League leader’s house demolished, belongings looted, then set on fire
Graphics: Agamir Somoy
An excavator was used to partially demolish the house of Mizanur Rahman Lavlu Kazi, president of the Madhabkhali Union Awami League and chairman of the union parishad, in Mirzaganj of Patuakhali. Miscreants later looted belongings from the house before setting it on fire.
The incident took place around 12:30 am Friday beside Kathaltali Bazar in Mirzaganj upazila of Patuakhali.
The owner of the house, Mizanur Rahman Lavlu Kazi, is the president of the Madhabkhali Union Awami League in the upazila.
Locals said that after the fall of the Awami League government during the student-public movement on Aug. 5, 2024, Mizanur Rahman Lavlu Kazi left the area with his family. His mother had been living alone in the house. On Friday afternoon, she was admitted to a local hospital after falling ill, leaving the house vacant. Taking that opportunity, miscreants used an excavator at night to partially demolish the single-story building before setting fire to the inside.
Lavlu Kazi’s wife, Shilpi Begum, said, “After hearing about the incident, I came from Dhaka that night with relatives and tried to extinguish the fire. I cannot say anything more over the phone.”
Present at the scene, Lavlu’s cousin, Mukul Begum, said, “A group carried out this act in a planned way out of jealousy over Lavlu’s popularity.”
A visit to the site found that furniture and other household belongings inside the house had been burned. Some items were scattered around the property.
Mizanur Rahman Lavlu Kazi alleged that the incident was carried out under the leadership of several local BNP leaders and activists.
He claimed that gold ornaments, valuable documents and other belongings kept in an almirah inside the house were looted.
Denying the allegation, Shahin Chowdhury Pasha, president of the Madhabkhali Union BNP, said, “The chairman had occupied land that had been registered for a public library in 2003 and built a house there. Neither I nor our party has any interest in occupying the land or demolishing the house.”
Mirzaganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sheikh Md. Russell said he visited the scene Saturday morning after receiving news of the fire. He said the house had been partially reduced to rubble and that police had been instructed to investigate the incident and take appropriate action against those responsible.
Mirzaganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md. Towhiduzzaman said, “We have received reports of the attack, vandalism and arson at the residence. No written complaint has been filed so far. If a complaint is received, we will investigate and take legal action.”
